05 January 2024 , 07:51
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Owen Farrell has given Steve Borthwick no assurance he will return to England duty after the Six Nations Championship.
The Red Rose skipper shocked rugby in November by announcing he would take an indefinite break from the international game to "prioritise his and his family's mental well-being". The Wigan-born star’s decision followed a World Cup in which he was habitually subjected to unprovoked jeers in stadiums and vile abuse online.
England boss Borthwick admitted yesterday he did not know when - or if - the nation’s rugby leader and record points scorer would add to his 112 caps.
“We’re all hopeful he’ll return to the England team at some point soon,” said Borthwick, who will name a replacement skipper on January 17. “But that’s going to be a decision Owen makes.
“Will he play for England again? Erm, I’m really hopeful he does. I think, as England supporters, we all hope that. This is one of England’s greatest ever players and captains.
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"But that will be his decision, at a time that’s right for him.”
Farrell and Steve Borthwick after England's Bronze Final defeat of Argentina at World CupBorthwick’s first inkling Farrell, 32, was considering stepping away came at the end of the tournament in which England took third place,
Farrell had publicly lashed out at the online trolling of team mate Tom Curry after the Sale flanker alleged to a referee he was victim of a racial slur during semi-final defeat to South Africa.
It was the following week, however, before he opened his heart to his head coach before leaving Paris for the UK.
Farrell continues to play for, and captain, Saracens (Getty Images)Borthwick said: “We took a walk and Owen shared some of his thoughts and what he was thinking at that point in time.
“Then he took a period of reflecting and we met a couple of weeks later and he told me of his decision to step away.
“The first thing I’ll say there is I’m full of admiration for this guy, as a man, a player and a leader. It takes a lot of courage to do what he’s done.
World Cup final ref Wayne Barnes hit out at online abuse after stepping away from rugby (World Rugby via Getty Images)“As we reflect, in England alone we’ve seen a player, a captain, two match officials, step away at the top of their game.
“The online hate is not okay, it’s not right. For people and their families to have to endure that, for it to drive people out of the game, is just appalling.”
Borthwick pledged to work to bolster ‘support mechanisms’ for players and staff open to online abuse.
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Kevin Sinfield will be leaving England set-up after summer tour (PA Wire)He also confirmed Kevin Sinfield would be leaving his coaching staff after England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand, stressing it was the cross-code legend's decision.
Former All Blacks coach Andrew Strawbridge is coming aboard, along with Felix Jones, South Africa’s Irish defence coach.
Sinfield’s role will change between now and his departure to skills coach, working specifically on catch-pass skills with the kickers.
“You can't overstate the value Kev’s brought,” said Borthwick. “What he's done and the relationships he's built.”