Dylan Hartley Dismisses Lions Snub With Some Strong Words

Dylan Hartley insists that his British and Irish Lions omission will not define his career and has not caused him to lose sleep.

The England captain is one of several high-profile players to have been left out by Gatland, and the only skipper of the four nations to not make the trip to New Zealand.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hartley says he has had many ups and downs and will not let the disappointment define him.

“It doesn’t define me as a player not going on that tour,” Hartley said

“I said that before the tour. I have had that many ups and downs that it’s something out of my control so I am not going to worry about it. Why lose sleep about it?”

Instead Hartley will be putting his focus on making England better this summer as they tour Argentina.

“I’ve got a good thing here,” he said.

“My role within this team is huge and I like that responsibility – I want to grow the team and I want to push the team forward and make England rugby better.”

Harley says selection for the Lions is subjective and that he knows he is appreciated with England.

“Selection for me is subjective,” he said.

“Warren has chosen the side that he thinks he can go and beat New Zealand with.

“Every player on that tour has earned the right to be there with their form and the way they have played. Obviously, I didn’t do enough or I am not the player he wants in his side. I know I am appreciated here so I want to get fully stuck into that.”