Sir Clive Woodward says sabbaticals in rugby union must be extra frequent and hopes Owen Farrell’s choice conjures up change; Lawrence Dallaglio calls ranges of abuse England captain has obtained “sickening”; Farrell will proceed to play for Saracens throughout break from worldwide responsibility
Final Up to date: 30/11/23 6:51am
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England captain Owen Farrell will miss the Six Nations after deciding to take a break from worldwide rugby to prioritise his and his household’s psychological well-being
England captain Owen Farrell will miss the Six Nations after deciding to take a break from worldwide rugby to prioritise his and his household’s psychological well-being
Sir Clive Woodward hopes Owen Farrell’s “brave” choice to step away from England responsibility to deal with his and his household’s psychological well-being conjures up extra gamers inside rugby union to take sabbaticals.
Farrell, England’s file factors scorer, will miss the 2024 Six Nations together with his membership, Saracens, saying the information on Wednesday afternoon.
The 32-year-old has 112 worldwide caps and led his nation to the semi-finals of the latest World Cup in France however his place within the aspect has come below scrutiny and he was booed through the match.
Woodward – who coached England to World Cup glory in 2003 – mentioned the criticism Farrell has obtained is “unjust” whereas former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio referred to as it “sickening.”
Writing in the Mail Online, Woodward mentioned of Farrell, who will proceed to play membership rugby: “I hope, with the decision made and the outpouring of support he has received, he can now look ahead with new-found freedom.
“I hope Farrell units the tone and conjures up new pondering on this space. Why is taking a sabbatical no more frequent?
“No doubt they [the Rugby Football Union] will blame others – especially the media – and create another nameless committee to investigate and put forward their thoughts with zero accountability. Farrell will probably be left to work it out for himself. That is so wrong.
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Luther Burrell supports Farrell’s decision to miss the Six Nations, saying rugby players are not ‘robots’
“The RFU and different worldwide sides ought to take a look at Farrell’s scenario with actual concern however as a chance to higher assist gamers.
“The world’s best businesses build sabbaticals into their HR processes as paid leave. Why not rugby?
“[Farrell] goes to proceed to play for his beloved Saracens and I actually hope this isn’t the final we have seen of him at Check degree.
“Here’s hoping the break does him the world of good and he can return to the international game when he’s good and ready.
I’ve said it many times, Owen 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.
Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio on Owen Farrell
Woodward: Farrell criticism ‘unjust and uncalled for’
“The primary and most necessary factor is to acknowledge the courageous and proper choice Farrell has made to step away from England responsibility to guard his and his household’s psychological well being and that we want all of them the perfect,” said Woodward.
“Farrell’s transfer comes as no nice shock contemplating the extraordinary weight his shoulders have been compelled to bear and the unjust criticism he has needed to face. Solely he’ll understand how a lot affect this had over his choice.
“Rugby, sport and society have all come a long way in understanding mental health, but there is still so much more that can be done. Athletes and coaches ask a great deal of themselves
“They put themselves into conditions which are, whereas an utter privilege and crammed with pleasure at instances, also can depart you questioning how you’ll get away from bed some days. This isn’t a burden they carry alone. Their households face the identical trials and pressures.
“Farrell is one of England’s greatest ever players… But that has not been enough for some.
“For no matter motive, he has by no means had the reward he is deserved. The truth is, he is ended up being criticised loads – typically personally and unjustly. I ponder whether that has had an affect.
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The Telegraph’s Sam Wallace empathises with Farrell’s choice to briefly step away from worldwide rugby
“When Farrell was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Wales in the summer and banned for the start of the World Cup, he got things wrong and admitted as much.
“He had nothing to do with how World Rugby after which assessment committees made a multitude of the disciplinary course of.
“Farrell was left exposed, as players often are, and the subsequent targeting of him was way over the top and totally uncalled for.
“That was summed up when he was booed on the World Cup. For a participant who has given a lot, that was unforgivable.”
