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On this day in 2013: Dylan Hartley’s Lions hopes are dashed by 11-week ban

Hartley missed out as the Lions triumphed on their Australia tour, winning the series 2-1.

Everything pointed to a glorious season finale for Dylan Hartley, who had steered Northampton from fourth place in the regular season standings into the 2013 Premiership final, courtesy of a thumping semi-final win over league leaders Saracens.

Heading into the final against resurgent Leicester, Hartley’s bags were already packed for his flight to Hong Kong with the British and Irish Lions less than two days later. What could possibly go wrong?

Here the PA news agency looks back at what happened next.

DIFFICULT DYLAN

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Dylan Hartley had his fair share of scrapes for club and country (Adam Davy/PA)

WHAT HAPPENED

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Dylan Hartley saw his Lions ambitions go up in smoke (Joe Giddens/PA)

WHAT HE SAID

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Dylan Hartley would bounce back and lead England to grand slam success (Gareth Fuller/PA)

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

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The British and Irish Lions went on to claim an historic victory (David Davies/PA)