LONDON (AP) England's rugby team received mixed news on the disciplinary front Wednesday following citings at club level, with captain Dylan Hartley cleared to play in the November tests and prop Joe Marler ruled out for matches against Argentina and Australia.
Hartley was sent to the sin-bin for striking Clermont-Auvergne prop Rabah Slimani during Northampton's 24-7 loss in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
An independent disciplinary committee was satisfied the offense did not warrant a red card, which would have led to a ban for Hartley of up to eight weeks. The hooker has missed 60 weeks of his career because of various suspensions.
Marler, who plays for Harlequins, was suspended for three weeks for striking Wasps lock Will Rowlands with his elbow in the European Champions Cup match on Sunday. He will available for England's third match of its November series, against Samoa on Nov. 25.
England coach Eddie Jones is scheduled to announce his squad on Thursday for next month's matches.
Hartley has been England's captain since Jones took charge following the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He is coming under pressure for his place by Jamie George.
