Saints Lose At Twickenham

26 May 2013, 08:15 | Updated: 26 May 2013, 08:29

Northampton Saints rugby club suffered a 37-17 defeat to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in their first Aviva Premiership Final.

Northampton captain Dylan Hartley (pictured in the black shirt) may not now get to tour with the British and Irish Lions this summer, after he was sent off for dissent.

The England hooker was dismissed during first-half injury time by referee Wayne Barnes for appearing to swear in the official's direction. Hartley had been warned about his conduct just two minutes beforehand.

He could now face a minimum six-week ban. Rugby Football Union disciplinary bosses are unlikely to take a lenient view, considering he has already served three previous suspensions during his firebrand career.

Hartley can expect a disciplinary hearing early next week. The Lions leave London for Hong Kong on Monday, with Hartley currently one of three hookers among a 37-man squad.