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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.
Farrell was not a 12: he is gravely lacking in pace. The RFU can reverse their moribund decision of not allowing players in foreign jurisdictions to play for England. If they don’t, they will look more and more foolish as potential England players prioritise salaries abroad over playing for England.
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.
He’s still picking up the Marque salary at Sarries. After this season, expect him to sign for Wigan Warriors, or pick up another high salary in France.
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
class act? where? can’t tackle, can’t captain, cant speak to refs without disrespect. a complete plonker of a player. missed 5 kicks had a meltdown. good riddance to bad rubbish.
I trust that all those keyboard warriors (many from SA) who have hounded him out are very proud of themselves.
the rugby fields is a much safer place with captain hightackle sitting out.
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.
Itoje is too immature. When he arrived on the scene he had the potential to be one of the greats. Now he blows hot or handbags.
What stupid statement to make. Faz has put his body on the line week in and week out for both club and country for over a decade. He has put up with abuse from all sides both in England and abroad. But has gone about his job. He has shown huge bravery by putting himself and his family first and we as rugby fans should recognise this and thank him his commitment.
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?
too young to be captain I think - would’ve benefitted from a few years under a mentor. Enjoy the time off
Or could tackle 😉