Whilst wishing him a speedy recovery, perhaps this a blessing in disguise for England given Hartley's indifferent form for some time now, although his injury does mean that he now joins a long list of the walking wounded who will not make the tour, a list which includes the likes of Nathan Hughes, Courtney Lawes, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson.

Added to that is another list of players - which includes Hartley's obvious replacement at hooker, Jamie George and leadership candidates such as Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje - who are frankly knackered and need a rest having been on the international rugby treadmill for the past couple of years.

All of which means that Eddie Jones will have his work cut out this summer - time to start earning his not insubstantial salary, methinks.