Owen Farrell decided to step back from England duties to protect his and his family’s mental health after the pressure of international captaincy, including being booed by his own fans, became overbearing.
Farrell was jeered in stadiums when he appeared on screen or his name was read out throughout the World Cup in which he became England’s record points scorer. Telegraph Sport understands that was one of several factors that influenced his decision on Wednesday, having also struggled to cope with the fallout from his controversial red card in a warm-up match in August.
The 32-year-old, who led England to third place last month, has elected to miss next year’s Six Nations after deciding to “take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being” in a statement released by Saracens.
Farrell will continue to play for his club but the fly-half has not provided a date on when he will return to international duty, with England scheduled to tour Japan and New Zealand next summer. His decision has received the backing of England head coach Steve Borthwick who praised his “courage”, but must now select a new captain for the 2024 Six Nations.
“Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” Borthwick said. “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.”
Not for the first time, Farrell appeared at the centre of a high-tackle storm after being sent-off for his hit on Wales flanker Taine Basham in a World Cup warm-up match. After initially being cleared, Farrell was subsequently hit with a four-match ban. His father, Andy, the head coach of Ireland, hit out at what he described as the “circus” surrounding his son and hinted at the toll it took on the family.
“I’d probably get his mother up here to do an interview with you, and you’ll see the human side of the bulls--- that’s happening,” Farrell senior said. “Or maybe get his wife to write a book on it, because then you’ll probably see the impact that it’s having on not just the professional player, but the families and the human side that goes with it.”
Former England captain Chris Robshaw, who was faced his fair share of criticism around the 2015 World Cup pool stage exit, said: “Such a shame we criticise and go after our captain, when he is constantly one of England’s best players, role models and leading point scorer!
“He will be missed massively. Hopefully he can mentally relax, be with his family and get the support he needs.”
After sitting out the first two matches of the World Cup through suspension, Borthwick quickly restored Farrell to the starting line-up where he became a lightning rod for crowd catcalls during the tournament, and not just from opposition fans. Defence coach Kevin Sinfield compared his treatment to that of David Beckham following the footballer’s sending off in the 1998 World Cup while attack coach Richard Wigglesworth believes he was a victim of tall-poppy syndrome. “As ever, the tallest trees catch the most wind, and he seems to catch a fair bit of it,” Wigglesworth said.