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Owen Farrell announces international break to ‘prioritise’ well-being
England captain Owen Farrell will not be available for this season’s Six Nations Championship after today announcing that he will take a break from international rugby.
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In a statement, Farrell’s club Saracens said that his decision had been made “in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being”.
“Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” said Steve Borthwick.
“Since making his debut, he has been an integral part of the England set up for over a decade and the demands on elite athletes are extremely challenging. He is an exemplary player, captain and leader and always gives his all for his country.
“It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner. Together with all of us at England Rugby, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward.”
England captain Owen Farrell will take a break from international rugby to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being
Owen has the full support of everyone at England Rugby 🌹
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 29, 2023
Saracens added that 32-year-old Farrell would continue to play for them and captain the Gallagher Premiership club.
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This past weekend Farrell was in the headlines again, this time after being heard telling referee Luke Pearce to treat him with respect.
AJ.
Well yes. Cant disagree. I was trying to be positive.
You dont need pace, Ford as well, if you kick the bloody thing all the time. Englands back line for years has made wingers redundant and have been boring as hell .
They play to the managenents plan A . Plan B read plan A. Kick the thing and hope the opposition drop the ball .
Who needs pace .
England need to start rebuild now and ditch Ford , Youngs and give the runners a proper spell to run the game .
This could be a blessing for the team .
Look what the french did a couple of years ago and look at them now.
I hope that the break is good for him and his family.
I think its possible that this will have bigger repurcussions at 12 than at 10.
George Ford can easily slot in at 10. Picking Marcus Smith as his back up is also a bit of a no-brainer. But without Farrell and Marchant, stocks in the centres are starting to look quite depleted.
A good and expected decission. Last year was diffucult. After worlcup is the best moment for a break. I think he wants to make the Lions Tour. Thats the reason not to retire. I won’t miss him, but perhaps England.
Farrell a class act for both Sarries and England . Unfortunately his demeanor and angry appearance does him no favours. We will welcome him back .
We can only dream now for a revitalised back line of running rugby . Right up to team announcement for the first game
with Borthwick,s mate FORD with his up and unders once again .
DAMN
I trust that all those keyboard warriors (many from SA) who have hounded him out are very proud of themselves.
This could be a blessing in disguise for Borthwick. Chance to try out a new captain (likely Itoje) and really find a solid 10. A lot of the old school ego will leave with Farrell and maybe a new generation of England awaits.
Don’t like this dude, but cannot deny that he’s world class. Can you imagine how good he could’ve been if he had more self-control and common sense?