Dylan Hartley
Dylan Hartley
Saints Number: #1808
Saints Career: 2005-2019
Appearances: 251
Position: Hooker
Career Statistics
Tries: 28
Total Points: 140
Representative Honours
England (97 caps)
Hall of Fame
Inducted: 2025
Dylan Hartley
Dylan Hartley captained Northampton Saints and England during one of the most successful periods in both organisations’ histories, establishing himself as one of the most influential hookers of the professional era.
Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, Hartley moved to England as a teenager with the ambition of pursuing a professional rugby career. After spells within the Worcester system, he joined Northampton in 2005 and quickly emerged as one of the brightest young forwards in English rugby.
His leadership qualities were recognised early when he became Club Captain in 2009, then the youngest captain in the Premiership. He would serve in the role for eight seasons across two spells, leading Saints through a sustained period of success.
Under Hartley’s captaincy, Northampton won the 2009 European Challenge Cup, the 2010 Anglo-Welsh Cup and reached multiple major finals. The crowning achievement came in 2014 when Saints secured a historic double, winning both the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Premiership title.
At international level, Hartley earned 97 England caps and became one of the most respected leaders in world rugby. Appointed England captain by Eddie Jones in 2016, he led the national side to a Grand Slam, a historic 3-0 series victory in Australia and an 18-match winning run that equalled the world record.
When he retired in 2019 because of a persistent knee injury, Hartley was England’s most capped hooker and one of Northampton Saints’ most influential captains.
His Hall of Fame induction in 2025 recognised a player whose leadership, resilience and achievements helped define an era for both club and country.
Hall of Fame profiles have been researched and compiled, with the Club’s grateful thanks, by the volunteers of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Heritage Department – whose work helps preserve and share the rich history of Northampton Saints.