England captain Owen Farrell to miss Six Nations and prioritise mental health

England captain Owen Farrell will not be available for this season’s Six Nations Championship after deciding to take a break from international rugby.

In a statement, Farrell’s club Saracens said his decision had been made “in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing”. Saracens added that 32-year-old Farrell would continue to play for them and captain the Premiership club.

Saracens said: “Owen Farrell has decided to take a break from international rugby in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing. 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.”

Head coach Steve Borthwick released a statement, supporting his captain’s decision. “Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” said Borthwick. 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.”

England finished third at the World Cup, and their next game is a Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on 3 February. George Ford and Marcus Smith would be the leading contenders to fill Farrell’s familiar fly-half role.

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