Farrell out of Six nations

[longlivethecrumbie]

Owen Farrell is stepping back from international rugby for the Six nations to concentrate on his and his families mental well-being

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67569874

[Old Hob]

He does get a lot of stick much of which is far worse than is on this site, I believe.

[GB72]

Owen Farrell is stepping back from international rugby for the 6N to concentrate on his and his families mental well-being

I see that as very sensible thinking. If the selectors will not give people the time off they want or need via rotation then it is time for the players to do it themselves. It is early in a world cup cycle, a tournament out is not going to put his place at risk and he feels he needs some time out of the England spotlight so good on him for doing it.

Personally I think that for the first 2 years of a world cup cycle, players should only play 6 nations or autumn internationals. You would then have 2 squads gaining match experience and the stars form each can then form one team for the 2 years building up to the tournament. Better player welfare, more players with top level, match day experience, more opportunity to try new players, it is a win, win and as long as you do not put all of the top names in one squad, you should still be competitive.

[LE18]

What a great opportunity to play some expansive rugby and develop a new FH.

Just for a bit of fun imagine a back line of JVP, Shillcock, OHC, Kelly, Porter, Watson, Steward.

[Rugbygramps]

What a great opportunity to play some expansive rugby and develop a new FH.

Just for a bit of fun imagine a back line of JVP, Shillcock, OHC, Kelly, Porter, Watson, Steward.

You have obviously not watched Saracens play over the last season and a half. England’s problem is the coach not the players.

I agree it’s a very sensible decision and one that others may follow.
I understand that people do not like his personality, but as someone who was discussed over the weekend as having the capability of getting 150 caps, as well as being his country’s leading points scorer and leading points scorer at RWC imo he deserves more credit on the pitch.
It will be interesting to see where Borthwick goes as he learns nothing replacing him with Ford and Tuilagi needs retiring

[Darc Tiger]

Credit to him for making the call.

Probably not a bad thing for England to try different options at the very start of a new cycle.

[kk20gb30]

A good call from Farrell - health and family first.

Many may not like or appreciate the man (our perception) or the player.
How many would , if fit ,have him in their side though ?
His record speaks for itself , in many ways.

[fentiger]

A good call from Farrell - health and family first.

Many may not like or appreciate the man (our perception) or the player.
How many would , if fit ,have him in their side though ?
His record speaks for itself , in many ways.

I've been a critic in the past, although I wonder how much of that criticism has been caused by my perception of him being skewed due to playing in certain 'systems'. He is, undoubtedly, a world class player who would make his way into almost any team.
Wish him and his family all the best

[KiwiTig]

I can only wish him well

[Tigers86asw]

Hope he and his family are well. The impact that a decision such as this can have, positively, on mens mental health could be very significant.

I don’t like how he behaves on the field at times but quite frankly that is irrelevant compared to an issue such as this.

[KiwiTig]

Hope he and his family are well. The impact that a decision such as this can have, positively, on mens mental health could be very significant.

I don’t like how he behaves on the field at times but quite frankly that is irrelevant compared to an issue such as this.

I couldn’t agree more

[Scott1]

Not a fan of his but I wish him all the best. Some things are bigger than rugby

[mol2]

It may be it is a way of retiring from international rugby without closing the option to return or forcing the coach to move on by dropping you.

Equally the demands on him as captain are great her than any other player.

Playing at club level in a dominant team is a world away from the tight confines of international rugby so the way Sarries play may not be a comparison to how he or any other fly half could do.

Overall this may give Borthwick the option to evolve his side in a way that isn’t built around Farrell.

[mightymouse]

Try and get his stuff together playing for a club where he feels loved … whilst negotiating his Rugby League career with Wigan?
Also being serious and slightly cynical but possibly true… he has just agreed a deal with Sarries where he is the sole marquee player. Everyone thought this was was odd versus Otoje … but if he has promised not to play for England for couple of years that makes him more valuable to them, so he therefore gets the bigger

[Tiglon]

I don't read this as him saying he has mental health problems, just that he wants a bit of a break from the pressure and exposure of international rugby.

I'm sure he's fine and I hope he enjoys a well earned rest from England duties.