Dylan Hartley has been confirmed as England captain for the Six Nations, but the hooker admits his red card for Northampton in December put Eddie Jones in a difficult position.
Hartley was sent off for catching Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien with a swinging arm from behind in the Champions Cup and his subsequent six-week ban came to an end on Monday.
The hooker's position as captain had been questioned after his dismissal - he has now accumulated 60 weeks of suspensions during his career - and Hartley admits facing Jones after was far from easy.
When asked what his first conversation with Jones after the red card was like, Hartley told Sky Sports News HQ: "Difficult, but honest."
He continued: "When I got my red card, obviously it jeopardises a lot of things. I put myself in a difficult position, and the team and the management in a difficult position.
"Look, I have done my time. I feel fit, fresh and focused and I am privileged to be sat here.
"Every player in the group feels the need to perform because we have such depth and competition in the squad.
"If you don't it can be gone pretty quickly so like I said before - I understand I am in a privileged position and I want to work hard to make sure I am still here."
The recent clampdown by World Rugby on dangerous tackles, combined with Hartley's disciplinary history, means he is likely to be scrutinised closely and the 30-year-old knows his technique must improve.
"It was a technical issue," Hartley said. "Obviously I want to have the intent to tackle people and tackle people hard.
"It has never been legal to tackle people and make contact with their head or tackle high. What has changed is sanctions on that so as players - and myself included - we need to be aware.
"I think we are seeing a lot of it now. You are seeking cards every week for head contacts. I think as players we are going to adapt. We are aware of it and the reasons why we are doing it are important as well because player safety is paramount.
"I got that wrong and I have been working hard to make sure that doesn't happen again."
Hartley attended a joint press conference with Jones - who was sporting a mysterious black eye - at the launch of the Six Nations and the England head coach displayed his mischievous streak with his answer for how his captain could hit the ground running after his extended layoff.
"He's had 60 weeks off mate; he's an expert at it!" Jones said with a grin, referring to Hartley chequered disciplinary history.
When asked how and when he informed Hartley he would be continuing as England captain, Jones turned and said: "I still haven't told you, have I mate? Maybe this is a good time. I'd like to officially announce that Dylan is captain!"