Owen Farrell’s Break from International Rugby: A Step Towards Prioritizing Mental Well-being in Sports

It has been announced that Owen Farrell will not play at the 2024 Six Nations for England after stepping down from international rugby for a time. Although he will continue to play for Sarries in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby, the fly-half has decided to “prioritise his mental well-being and that of his family” and will no longer play for Saracens.

The Rugby Football Union has announced that England captain Owen Farrell will not play in the 2024 Six Nations.

He will continue to play for Saracens after captaining his country to third place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

“Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” said England head coach Steve 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.”

During the World Cup, Farrell overtook Jonny Wilkinson as England’s all-time leading points scorer with 1237 points from 112 caps.

England’s 2023 World Cup campaign was aided by Farrell, a three-time Six Nations champion, including one Grand Slam in 2016.

He returned to the side after missing the first two pool games due to suspension, leading them to victories over Chile, Samoa and Fiji, before losing 16-15 in the semi-finals to eventual champions South Africa.