British bookmakers are offering odds of 16/1 that new England captain Dylan Hartley will be sent off during the looming Six Nations.

The New Zealand-born hooker has been named captain by new England coach Eddie Jones who has ignored Hartley disastrous and lengthy record of ill-discipline that totals 54 weeks in bans.

The bookies agree with a large rugby sentiment that Hartley is a disaster waiting to happen.

William Hill has opened a book on Hartley receiving a red card during the tournament, offering the 16/1 odds.

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"Dylan has a shocking disciplinary record and in the heat of the moment he could be prone to a further lapse in judgement," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.

Hartley seems sure to be targeted by opposition, aware of his short-fuse and the tactical trouble his departure from the field as captain would be.

Jones will be hoping the new responsibilities can help Hartley tidy up his act but the skipper gave little indication he would back away from his direct approach.

"I've done things and been involved with things in the past that I can't escape or get away from," Hartley said at a media conference as his appointment was confirmed.

"It's all there in the press to see but I've had some time off in the summer and I'm keen to get back into this England side.

"Every game I play in I'm aware of perception and managing referees and trying to stay out of trouble, but while playing on the edge and playing a direct and confrontational game.

"Captaincy will be at the back of my mind but first and for most it's being the best player I can for the team."

Hartley's appointment hasn't stopped the bookmakers installing England as Six Nations favourites.

William Hill lists them at 13-8. Wales are 5/2 and defending champions ireland, looking for a hat-trick of titles, are 10/3.

France are 5/1 with Scotland at 14/1 and Italy given no show at 500/1.

Here's how Hartley's judiciary record stacks up:

April 2007 - banned for 26 weeks after being cited for eye-gouging Wasps forwards James Haskell and Jonny O'Connor. Ban ended his World Cup hopes.

March 2012 - received an eight-week suspension after being cited for biting Ireland forward Stephen Ferris' finger while playing for England in a Six Nations game.

December 2012 - banned for two weeks after being cited for punching Ulster hooker Rory Best during a Heineken Cup match.

May 2013 - sent off for verbally abusing referee Wayne Barnes during the Aviva Premiership final against Leicester at Twickenham. Handed an 11-week suspension that sidelined him for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia which he had been selected for.

December 2014 - sent off for elbowing Leicester centre Matt Smith in the face. Banned for three weeks.

May 2015 - banned for four weeks after head-butting Saracens' Jamie George in Northampton's 29-24 Aviva Premiership semifinal defeat to Saracens. Lost his World Cup position as a consequence.