England hooker Dylan Hartley has revealed that he accepts the decision that has been made to withdraw him from the England World Cup training squad.

The Northampton Saints captain has been handed a four-week suspension after headbutting Saracens' Jamie George during his side's 29-24 defeat last Saturday, and although he agrees with Stuart Lancaster's move, Hartley admits that he is "devastated" to miss out on England duty.

The 29-year-old told the official England rugby website: "I am devastated with what has happened and the position I have put myself and the England team in.

"I would like to apologise to Jamie, Stuart, and my teammates both at Saints as well as England. What happened is not acceptable and I understand why this decision has been made."

With Hartley's ban keeping him sidelined until after the first game of the World Cup, it has been reported that he could remain out of the squad for the tournament which begins in September.