30 November 2023 , 10:31
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Owen Farrell has made himself unavailable for England selection which comes as "no surprise" to Sir Clive Woodward.
The fly-half, who recently became his country's highest ever points scorer, has made the decision "in order to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing" and won't represent England in the Six Nations. Farrell has enjoyed immense success at club and international level but remains a polarising figure.
Farrell was jeered by his own fans at the recent Rugby World Cup and copped major flack before the tournament after being suspended by World Rugby for a red card he picked up in a warm-up game. Woodward insists that the Saracens star has long been subjected to unjustified criticism.
He told the Daily Mail: “It is also with great sadness and disappointment that Farrell’s move comes as no great surprise considering the extraordinary weight his shoulders have been forced to bear and the unjust criticism he has had to face. Only he will know how much influence this had over his decision.
“Farrell is one of England’s greatest ever players. He’s the national captain and the country’s record points scorer. He has had unbelievable success with England, Saracens and the Lions. But that has not been enough for some. For whatever reason, he has never had the praise he’s deserved. In fact, he’s ended up being criticised a lot — often personally and unjustly.
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"I wonder whether that has had an impact. I hope, with the decision made and the outpouring of support he has received, Farrell can now look ahead with new-found freedom. I hope Farrell sets the tone and inspires new thinking in this area. Why is taking a sabbatical not more common?”
New Zealand stars regularly take sabbaticals, with some enjoying time away from the game and others opting to play in Japan where they endure far less spotlight and media attention. English players though often play without extended breaks throughout their careers.
The fly-half has the backing of senior figuresFarrell made his England debut in 2011 having risen swiftly through the ranks at Saracens. He's won three Six Nations titles and reached a World Cup final. Eddie Jones named him captain midway through his tenure and Steve Borthwick has stuck with him as skipper.
The fly-half's style has sometimes copped criticism from fans. That has largely been down to the system England play with Farrell deployed as a centre to allow either Marcus Smith or George Ford to play at 10, which has seen mixed results and underwhelming performances.
Borthwick, who now has a decision to make regarding his fly-half for the Six Nations, has praised Farrell's decision. “He is an exemplary player, captain and leader and always gives his all for his country," he said. “It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner."
One of England's victorious members from 2003, Lawrence Dallaglio, has hammered the abuse faced by Farrell and also called on time away from the game to become far more normal. He said: "I’ve said it many times @owen_faz (Farrell) is our captain and potentially England’s greatest ever player. The level of abuse he receives is sickening. I really think it’s time for player sabbaticals, such are the demands of the game today.”