by In fact, it’s rare for Owen Farrell to actively fill in for Steve Borthwick when the pair host a press conference in England, so when he does, it’s worth listening to. “It’s about people, about human beings. “Just because you’re saying things on your phone or behind a computer screen doesn’t make it acceptable,” Farrell said in the final week of England’s World Cup campaign, referring specifically to the online abuse Tom Curry had been subjected to. . “It seems like this is going more and more in that direction and I don’t think it’s acceptable.”
The explanation provided as to why Farrell made the decision to take a break from international rugby does not go beyond “prioritising his and his family’s wellbeing”, but his words on the eve of his team’s bronze medal match against Argentina they resonate. It was always to Eddie Jones’s astonishment that Farrell was not held in high regard, that England fans had no love for him, but the hate he has come to receive is beyond acceptable.
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As always, there won’t be a singular reason for Farrell’s decision, but rather a combination of factors, but the treatment he’s received lately likely contributed, at least in part. He can’t help but knock anyone down. So does an unforgiving schedule: England began preparations for the World Cup on June 12 and finished their campaign at the end of October. Barring a couple of ankle injuries, the occasional forced break and a few games missed through suspension, Farrell has been working hard for England practically since his debut in 2012.
Similarly, he has been through the mill at Saracens, who spent a year in the Championship following the salary cap scandal, as evidenced by the fact that he has already played for them three times since the World Cup – uncharacteristically missing six shots. on goal last weekend. . Farrell is not one to slip up when he is on duty at the club.
Indeed, it is unlikely to be a coincidence that the language used by Saracens in announcing Farrell’s decision – “prioritising mental wellbeing” – is the same as when Ben Stokes, another England captain, took an indefinite break. of cricket in 2021. are different but it is alarming to think that two leaders of their teams, who play with such an unbreakable will, with their hearts permanently attached to their sleeves, have found themselves having to leave their respective stadiums.
It has never been entirely clear why Farrell doesn’t receive the praise that those who know him closely believe he should receive. Theories range from his prickly nature when dealing with referees, to the fact that he comes from the league, his tackling technique and how he doesn’t bring the flash that Marcus Smith has, but Farrell has never needed or craved the flattery.
Ambivalence treats him very well and he has often made it clear that public opinion of him counts for little compared to that of those close to him. But what Borthwick described as “personal attacks” this summer, what his father Andy Farrell called “a disgusting circus,” would take its toll on anyone. Kevin Sinfield, England’s defense coach, compared the criticism to that which David Beckham received after he was sent off at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Farrell is as tough as they come, carved from northern granite, someone for whom taking a step back is anathema. Of course, that makes his mental well-being no less important than that of anyone else and it is a great credit to him that, regardless of his abrasive personality, Farrell announced his decision to step back. . He will have discussed the decision with Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, who stepped away from the club almost a year ago before returning to guide the team to the Premiership title. So did Borthwick, who spoke of his captain’s “courage.” The hope must be that, like Stokes, Farrell feels ready to return when the time is right.
Last week, Farrell, now 32, strongly hinted that he was keen to host a fourth World Cup in Australia in 2027. “I want to play as long as I can, if I’m excited about what I’m doing.” he said. “I love what I do, I’m passionate about it and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.” And make no mistake, Farrell loves playing for England. Despite the abuse he suffered over the summer during the furore surrounding his red card against Wales, despite the booing in the stadium throughout the tournament after usurping George Ford at flyhalf.
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Ultimately, there are few more divisive figures in sports. Because Farrell is adored by teammates and coaches who cannot understand the antipathy towards him, as Danny Care summed up during the World Cup. “He won’t get the recognition he deserves until he stops playing, which I still find incredible.”
It remains to be seen whether Farrell has truly stopped playing for England for good, but in the meantime, Borthwick needs a new captain for the Six Nations. Courtney Lawes has retired from the national team, so Ellis Genge, England’s other World Cup vice-captain, will be the favourite. However, he lost out to Joe Marler during the tournament, so George Ford, who is the favorite to replace Farrell at flyhalf, enters the equation. Maro Itoje is another contender ahead of a campaign in which England suddenly find themselves without leadership, with Ben Youngs also retiring and Tom Curry sidelined for the season through injury.
The fact that Farrell has amassed 111 caps since his debut, that Borthwick wasted no time in announcing him as captain for the Six Nations and the World Cup, and that he returned straight to the team in France when his latest suspension ended, means that England will have a huge void to fill in the coming months. Farrell will have been well aware of this and that will have made his decision even more difficult. That he still felt compelled to do so is sobering.
