Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has criticized the “shameful” treatment of Owen Farrell after the England fly-half decided to withdraw from international rugby for mental health reasons.
Farrell decided not to take part in the Six Nations starting in February “to prioritize the mental health of myself and my family”.
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The shock decision comes after the 32-year-old led England to third place in the recent World Cup, with his side losing to eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals.
Farrell, who has long been a divisive figure for some rugby fans, was sent off in a warm-up match against Wales, which earned him a four-match ban. This means he missed England’s opening two games of the tournament in France.
He was criticized on social media and occasionally booed by spectators during the World Cup.
McCall said he was impressed with Farrell’s performance in light of the criticism he was facing. The fly-half became England’s all-time record scorer in France.
“It was amazing that he played the way he felt during the World Cup,” the Saracens coach said.
“He’s a guy at the top of his game right now, but he and his family are made to feel the way they feel. It’s a shame. “It’s not right,” he said.
“I worked with Owen every day for 15 years, and the person portrayed in the media looked nothing like the person I knew. He is family and has always come first.
“The narrative was created and launched and has been there for quite some time. “There’s only so much someone can take.” World Rugby president Bill Beaumont, a former England captain, said he hoped Farrell could return to international rugby “rejuvenated”.
“You don’t want to live in a society where someone like Owen Farrell, who was a great defender of rugby, is booed when he plays for his country,” Beaumont told the BBC.
“It’s very disappointing for him and his family. He clearly feels he needs a break from the international spotlight to recharge his batteries and come back.”
Wales coach Warren Gatland also supported Farrell.
“It’s a sad day for rugby and a sad day for sport to see someone who established Owen in the game have to decide to leave the international stage just to protect his family,” Gatland wrote in his column. whole body.
“It’s gone too far. “Despite the fact that players are in the spotlight and earning good money, despite the fact that they have to put their bodies on the line for their club and country every week, they feel enormous pressure.”
Times’ Rugby correspondent Alex Lowe described Farrell’s situation as “disgusting” and “a shameful day for a sport that prides itself on respect.”
England begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 3.
