Owen Farrell is confident that protecting his mental health over his short-term international future will help extend his England career.
Farrell on Wednesday night became the first top England player in the professional era to put mental health ahead of immediate Test ambitions, at least publicly.
Saracens revealed that the England captain will take a break in order to “prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being”, in a move fully supported by England. He will miss next year’s Six Nations, but will continue to play for and captain Saracens.
The 32-year-old is understood to appreciate full well the risk to his long-term Test future, but is also thought to be confident of turning the break into a de facto international sabbatical. The 112-cap England talisman still has every intention of pushing towards the Lions tour in 2025 and the World Cup in 2027.
“Owen Farrell has decided to take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being,” Saracens said in a statement. “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.”
England now need a new captain for at least the Six Nations. Farrell’s Saracens team-mate Jamie George will be squarely among the front-runners for the role, as will World Cup vice-captains Ellis Genge and George Ford.
Sale’s Ford and Harlequin Marcus Smith will now battle it out for the No10 shirt, with Northampton’s Fin Smith also coming into the frame.
Farrell has taken the step partly in stark reaction to the toll of social media and crowd abuse that followed almost his every move at the World Cup.
His father, Ireland head coach Andy, lamented the “disgusting circus” around his son’s high-tackle red card in the World Cup warm-up win over Wales and subsequent disciplinary saga.
He was then booed by partisan crowds at every England match in France, despite becoming his nation’s record points-scorer and leading his side to a third-placed finish.
England head coach Steve Borthwick hailed Farrell’s “courage” in deciding to take a break.
“Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” he said. “He has been an integral part of the England set-up for more than a decade and the demands are extremely challenging.
"It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision... I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward"
"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.
“Together with all of us, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward.”
Farrell will take up a hybrid contract next season should he return to the England fold, as two-tier RFU and club deals come into force for the first time.
A spell out would allow Ford and Smith to take the team in a new direction. Farrell is well aware of those risks, but has long since been beyond the realms of having anything to prove.
