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The statement from Saracens brief, the tone as hard-hitting as any, the news reverberating around English rugby on an otherwise sleepy Wednesday.
“Owen Farrell has decided to take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being,” the club statement read. “This means he will not be available for selection for the 2024 Six Nations. He will continue to play for Saracens and captain the club.
“As always, Owen will have the full support of everyone at the club.”
During the World Cup, Farrell was jeered in stadiums when he appeared on screen or his name was read out throughout a tournament in which he became England’s record points scorer. As reported yesterday, Telegraph Sport understands that was one of several factors that influenced Farrell’s decision to take an international hiatus, having also struggled to cope with the fall-out from his controversial red card in a warm-up match against Wales in August.
It was a dark day for rugby union – not just in England, but globally. Farrell’s announcement comes at a time when officials are being inundated with severe abuse and even death threats. The sport, despite showcasing its fabulous side on the field during the World Cup, is floundering off it. How many more will follow in Farrell’s stead, believing representing England and the flak that comes with it is not worth the aggro?
This is not fair criticism that we are talking about. There is a line, of which all players are aware, where criticism meets what is, in essence, bullying, but that line is being crossed with alarming regularity – and England’s captain has been more often than not, inexplicably, in the firing line.
That Farrell is one of England’s most resilient players proves that even the fiercest have a breaking point. Naturally, being in the public eye comes with greater scrutiny, but can you possibly imagine how Farrell’s children might have felt, watching their father warming up for a World Cup semi-final in Paris, and being booed for a reason that as of yet remains unexplained?
We now wait for further explanation from McCall – while hoping this is not the end of Farrell in an England shirt.
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