Hartley sorry for Leicester sending off, says Saints star Wood

Hartley was dismissed in the 17th minute of last weekend’s clash for elbowing Leicester centre Matt Smith in the face.

It was the second time he had been red carded in an east midlands derby, following his early exit against Tigers in the 2013 Aviva Premiership final.

The Saints skipper has been hit with a three-week ban and will miss the league games against Harlequins, Newcastle and Sale.

And Wood, who took over the captaincy last Saturday, steering Saints to a stunning 23-19 win, explained how Hartley had words with his team-mates after the success.

“I haven’t spoken to him personally but he addressed the group to apologise,” said the England flanker.

“He said how sorry he was that he let everyone down and that it was him again and he also said how proud he was of the lads, who came together and got the job done.

“Other than that, we haven’t had a direct conversation with him. He’s obviously desperately disappointed to be in the position again.”