Hartley says Tuilagi and Solomona let England down but will fight to earn recall
The England captain backed the decision of coach Eddie Jones to send the men home.
Captain Dylan Hartley has tipped Manu Tuilagi and Denny Solomona to force their way back into the England squad despite being sent home early from a pre-season training camp.
Skipper Hartley admitted Leicester centre Tuilagi and Sale wing Solomona “let us down” in breaking England’s code of conduct, a breach understood to have been alcohol related.
Tuilagi and Solomona were dismissed early from England training in Teddington on Monday, August 7 by taskmaster boss Eddie Jones.
The duo’s Test careers are now in limbo, but hooker Hartley believes both stars can still force a lifeline with England.
“We’re a team and as a team we set our own standards off the field,” Hartley told Press Association Sport.
“And ultimately those guys let us down in that area. We’re a team and we’ve got a code of conduct that we adhere to.
“The team dealt with it and I’m sure those players will have their heads down and be working hard now to get back in the picture. Because they are good players, and both of them are worth having in your side.”
Hartley praised no-nonsense boss Jones’ decision to remove Tuilagi and Solomona from England’s camp, but insisted the duo’s reaction will define their futures – not this disciplinary lapse.
Leicester star Tuilagi is yet to prove his long-term match fitness after two injury-ravaged seasons, but Jones had previously admitted what a bonus the potent Samoa-born centre’s return could be for his England side.
Former Castleford wing Solomona has enjoyed a whirlwind rugby union rise after his switch to Sale in December last year, culminating in Test match action on England’s summer tour to Argentina.
“It’s unfortunate for them, but you make decisions, you’ve got to live with those decisions, and that’s that,” said Hartley.
“But like I said, they are two valuable guys, so I know the type of characters they are, they’ll be out there working hard and will be wanting a big start to the season just like the rest of us.”
