ENGLAND skipper Owen Farrell is OUT of the Six Nations after agreeing a mental health break.
Saracens announced that stand-off Farrell, England’s record points scorer, “has decided to take a break from international rugby to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being”.
GettyOwen Farrell will not be a part of England’s Six Nations squad[/caption]
The London club added: “This means he will not be available 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 coach Steve Borthwick, who has never even tried to hide his huge admiration for the captain, gave his support for the decision.
Borthwick said: “Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision.
“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.”
The fly half, 32, was a controversial figure throughout England’s recent World Cup campaign after missing the first two matches through suspension.
He was greeted with boos from some fans before the quarter-final win over Fiji, only to respond with a brilliant individual performance by kicking 20 points including two penalties to kill off a comeback by the Pacific Islanders.
Farrell kicked all England’s points, with four penalties and a drop goal in the heartbreaking last-gasp semi-final defeat to South Africa in Paris.
That took him to a tally of 1,203 points for the Red Rose team, having overtaken Jonny Wilkinson’s previous record during the tournament.
Borthwick had made it clear he intended to stick with Farrell as his starting No 10 for the initial stages of the next four-year cycle.
But his absence from the squad when England kick off their campaign in Rome on February 3 opens the door for either Marcus Smith or uncapped Northampton starlet Fin Smith to be handed the playmaking responsibilities for the tournament.
PACoach Steve Borthwick with Farrell[/caption]