England captain Owen Farrell will not be available for the Six Nations as the fly-half takes a break from international rugby to focus on his and his family’s mental well-being
- Saracens have confirmed that Owen Farrell will miss next year’s Six Nations
- Ellis Genge is the frontrunner to replace him following the retirement of Courtney Lawes
- CHRIS FOY WORLD OF RUGBY: Rugby is in danger if it turns its back on free-to-air television
England captain Owen Farrell is taking a break from international rugby to protect his mental health and will miss next year’s Six Nations.
The 32-year-old Saracens’ club said he was taking a step back to ‘prioritize his and his family’s mental well-being’.
The number 10 will continue to play for Saracens, but the shock news means Steve Borthwick will have to select a new captain for the national team.
Borthwick offered his support to Farrell, saying: ‘Everyone in England is behind Owen’s decision. Since his debut, he has been an integral part of the team for more than a decade and the demands on top athletes are extremely challenging.
‘He is an exemplary player, captain and leader and always gives everything for his country.
Owen Farrell is set to retire from international rugby to prioritize his family’s mental wellbeing
Fans of both England and rival nations subjected the England 10 to extreme hostility in every match he took part in
“It is with typical courage that Owen has made the decision to open up in this way. Together with all of us in England, I will do everything I can to ensure he gets the support he needs.”
Before the World Cup, Farrell was abused online after being involved in a messy appeal to overturn a red card for a dangerous tackle.
At that point his father Andy – Ireland’s head coach – said: ‘I’d get his mother over here to interview you and you’ll see the human side of the bulls*** that’s happening. Or maybe he’ll have his wife write a book about it, because then you’ll see the impact it has, not just on the professional player, but on the families and the human side that comes with it.
“I understand that the longer you stay at the top, people will shoot you down. But it’s getting to a point where it’s no longer acceptable.”
Farrell surpassed Jonny Wilkinson’s national Test points record at the global showpiece in France to become the tournament’s top points scorer.
However, he went through a difficult time as fans of England and rival nations subjected the fly-half to extreme hostility in every match he took part in. It reached the stage where Farrell was loudly booed every time he appeared on the big screen or his name was shown. was read.
Although the Red Rose skipper played down the situation, he has undoubtedly registered with him and it must have been difficult to come to terms with it, especially when his family was present at matches.
England head coach Steve Borthwick must now assess what happens next regarding the captaincy and who will wear the number 10 shirt.
With Courtney Lawes retired, Ellis Genge is likely the frontrunner to lead the national team, while George Ford is the frontrunner to occupy half the spot in the starting XV.
His club Saracens said: ‘Owen will have the support of everyone at the club.’
Farrell could return to the international squad in the future after some time away
England head coach Steve Borthwick praised his captain’s shoulders, calling Farrell an ‘exemplary player, captain and leader’