Hartley's suspension means that he will not be available for selection for this Saturday's GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP match against London Irish, nor the England tour to South Africa or the Churchill Cup. He will also miss the start of next season.

The panel, chaired by Judge Jeff Blackett, found Hartley guilty of illegally making contact with the eye or eye areas of James Haskell and Jonny O'Connor during the Premiership game against London Wasps on Sunday, April 15. Hartley was found not guilty of a similar offence against Joe Worsley. The suspension imposed by the panel is back-dated from his original suspension from playing on April 18.

The offence carried a potential ban of three years and the 26-week suspension took into account Hartley’s "good character, youth and inexperience."

"We're obviously disappointed that Dylan has received this suspension in a crucial week for the club," said Northampton Saints chief executive Allan Robson. "While we accept the findings of the panel we will of course look at every option available to us."

Northampton Saints have until 5pm on Wednesday, April 25 to appeal.