Owen Farrell’s international teammate Max Malins has described the abuse thrown at him as “shocking” and “ridiculous”, while reports reveal England’s cut back on psychology resources for the World Cup.
Wales coach Warren Gatland also outlined his own battle with a troll he referred to as an “Irish dickhead” as the rugby world continued to rally around the England captain.
Farrell has decided to miss this season’s Six Nations to prioritise his and his family’s mental health. The UK Telegraph reported that Farrell could “miss up to a year” and it is “almost certain” Farrell won’t play on the tour to Japan and New Zealand.
“There are also serious doubts over the likelihood of a return for next year’s autumn series which includes Test against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa,” the paper said.
Malins has backed the 32-year-old, who will continue playing for Saracens, to return “as good as he was” at the sport’s highest level.
“It has probably come as a surprise to many, but good on him,” said Bristol back and Farrell’s old Saracens’ colleague Malins.
Owen Farrell. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“I think he is unfairly treated in the media and from fans.
“We are all human beings. For someone to take such a battering over a period of time it is going to take its toll at some point, so good on him.”
Farrell led England to a third-place World Cup finish in France last month, but the tournament build-up proved far from plain-sailing for him.
He was sent off in a World Cup warm-up game against Wales, only for an independent disciplinary panel to cause an outcry when it cleared him following a shoulder-led tackle to the head of Wales forward Taine Basham, which was expected to result in a significant ban.
World Rugby then appealed that decision, and he received a four-match suspension that included England’s opening two World Cup fixtures against Argentina and Japan.
Farrell’s father – Ireland head coach Andy Farrell – labelled media coverage of the episode “a circus”, while his son was subjected to considerable attacks on social media.
At times during the World Cup, he was also booed by sections of the crowd during England games.
Malins, who was also part of England’s World Cup squad, added: “I think it’s shocking, to be honest.
“I was up in the stands when the teams were getting read out, and I heard that (booing). It was a big surprise to me. I really don’t get it.
“For what he has done for England Rugby – he is one of the greatest players to wear that shirt – and for some fans to treat him like that is ridiculous.
“You won’t find many people with a mentally tougher approach than Owen, so for him to feel like this is the step he needs to take is worrying in a sense, but also very brave and good of him to do so.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has also criticised the “shameful” treatment of Farrell in what he believes should be a wake-up call for the game.
“I’ve worked with Owen for 15 years, every day, and the person that has been portrayed in the media bears no resemblance to the person I know. He’s a family man, they’ve always come first,” said McCall.
“There was a narrative created and started and that’s been there for quite some time. There’s only so much that someone can take.
“On top of that, he’s a brilliant, caring, supportive team-mate and a loyal friend to many. And a very good, decent human being. That’s the person I know.
“It was courageous and brave of him to open up. I admire Owen for many reasons anyway, but even more for doing this.”
World Rugby chief Bill Beaumont expressed dismay at Farrell’s treatment.
“As a player the last thing you want to do is give up playing for your country,” Beaumont said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“He has been a great leader for England over the years. You don’t ever want to live in a society where somebody like Owen Farrell, who has been a great servant to rugby, should be booed when he’s playing for his country.
“It’s very disappointing for him and his family and he obviously feels he needs a break away from the spotlight of the international game to recharge his batteries and come back.”
Former England coach Clive Woodward said he hoped Farrell’s move would make it easier for players to seek a pressure release during their careers.
“I hope, with the decision made and the outpouring of support he has received, he can now look ahead with new-found freedom,” he wrote for the Daily Mail.
“I hope Farrell sets the tone and inspires new thinking in this area. Why is taking a sabbatical not more common?
“No doubt they [the RFU] 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.
“The RFU and other international sides should look at Farrell’s situation with real concern but as an opportunity to better support players. The world’s best businesses build sabbaticals into their HR processes as paid leave. Why not rugby?
“[Farrell] is going to continue to play for his beloved Saracens and I really hope this is not the last we’ve seen of him at Test level. 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.”
Gatland, writing in the Telegraph, said he was “largely protected from the abuse because I am not on social media” but added “for a few years now I have been targeted by a troll who managed to get hold of my mobile phone number and has been sending me smart, snidey comments.
“At first I thought the messages were just a joke from a mate. I had previously lived in Ireland, and it just came up as a message from an Irish number. I didn’t give it much thought. Had I given my number to someone and not stored his name? Was someone just taking the piss?
“Yet the messages kept coming, not many but about half a dozen times a year, usually if we had lost a game, attempting to make a sarcastic comment or jibe. It was then I realised it was not a joke, but something more sinister.
Warren Gatland. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images)
“To make sure I knew the messages were coming from the troll, I saved his number under the name ‘Irish dickhead’.
Gatland said he was more affected when his son Bryn was targetted.
“I can still vividly remember a comment that I read after Bryn had just missed a long-range kick at goal from the sideline when he had come on for the Auckland Blues. It said something like: “I couldn’t care if Bryn Gatland didn’t wake up tomorrow morning,” Gatland wrote.
“I am old enough and have been long enough in this game to shrug off most barbs, but as a father that one was hard to take. It was why I could completely understand Andy Farrell’s defence of his son following the vitriolic abuse Owen received following his red card for his tackle against Taine Basham during our defeat by England at Twickenham in August.”
It also emerged that the RFU scaled back psychological support for the England team at the World Cup.
In contrast to Australia, which apparently had three psychologists available to players on Eddie Jones’ doomed campaign, the Telegraph revealed that Steve Borthwick’s side only had in person access to a sports psychologist on a part-time basis throughout the tournament, with the specialist attending England camp two to three days a week.
“It marks a significant cutback in mental wellbeing provision for the England squad, who previously benefited from continuous support from a sports psychologist,” the paper wrote.
(With agencies)
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
I'm interested in your thoughts on why Ryan's maul defense is illegal. I'm not saying it's not. I'm just interested on your thoughts why.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
It’s hard to argue that McCaw’s knee hitting Parra in 2011 was anything but a freak accident. It’s not like McCaw has a history of kneeing people in the head. I think even with a TMO, from today, it would’ve been play on. The clean out of O'Driscoll was a really badly executed clean out that ended up with him getting dropped; still it broke his shoulder and ended his tour. It probably would’ve resulted in a one or two yellow cards if the referee/touch judges got a good look at it, or a suspension if the judiciary saw all the footage that later came out. But there isn’t a history of Umaga and Mealamu cleaning people out like that. Both the incidents above could’ve been premeditated attempts to take out an opposition player. But the lack of a pattern of behaviour of similar incidents means they were more likely to be accidents. The ruck is probably the least structured part of rugby with the most variables. It’s likely that that is where a lot of non-intentional/reckless contact will occur. With Farrell it's not so much the times he's been found to be at fault for head shots (four suspensions, and I think another five yellow cards; and probably multiple penalties when a deflection to the head was just a penalty), it the massive amount of near misses. The difference is that Farrell has decided to take the risk of head contact time and again. He may have zero intention to hit someone in the head, but the sheer amount of tackles he makes means head contact is an inevitability if he aims that high. If he aimed at the base of the sternum the chances of head contact are reduced. Players will play to the rules, but it makes sense to change that rule.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
I think the reason why people are negative to Farrell, regarding high tackles, is that hitting near the top of the chest/shoulder is his standard practice. Perception is what forms public opinion as much as facts. Farrell’s preference for big hits can make it seem that high tackles from Farrell are an inevitably, rather than a genuine error. That landing an eventual head shot is a risk he’s willing to take. When the margins are super fine you will eventually go over the line, even if it’s a genuine accident. He must be very skilled as a tackler to have not had more head contacts. The problem is that making contact at the top of the chest/shoulder is currently legal and players will players will play to the rules. It’s not just a competition for pride, it’s a competition for a livelihood; the pressure to gain an advantage to get a win must be immense. The idea to lower the tackle height to the bottom of the sternum would mean that an error will likely mean contact the upper chest/shoulder not the head. it won’t solve all head contact, but it will reduce it.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
so playing in a time when two players spear tackling a guy wasn't even a penalty. When people committed red zone penalties all the time and never got cards. And head knocks were never looked at (if two players punched each other they generally both got yellow cards). You don't think players back they got away with alot more. If you are referring to Ryan and his maul defense which part of it is wrong.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
so the knee to the head wasn't head trauma. IF people had to mention how many times Farell has hit people in the head they would be hard pressed to find more that the three he is well known for. I am sure if we went over McCaw or any other player from that era they would have atleast 3.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
yet it is what happened. It has always been the way just like non-english national sides feel they are treated differently by English speaking refs when playing an English speaking team. Not sure how its Farells fault he is treated the same as all the other T1 English speaking players, We don't see people making comments about players being thugs when their citing gets downgraded or overturned.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
A lot of the wealthy sides have better legal representation. The All Blacks included. It definitely makes a difference. I think that counting a 'game of three halves' as a game to go against a suspension is BS.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
Yes, the game has changed at lot in the last 20 years. Officiating, around head contact is one really big area of change. But, with all the awareness and focus on had contact, Farrell still choses to go for the big hit to the upper chest. If you chose to be the on the limit of a law - which is there for player safety - then you open yourself up to extra negative comments; though some go way too far and are not justifiable. I use the McCaw example as he used to get a lot of flak. The things he was well known for: turnovers, slowing down the ball, getting in the etc, don't have the side effect of giving someone head trauma (most of the time). No, McCaw wasn't 100% clean; but turnovers, slowing the ball down, getting in the way typically don't cause head trauma. But, when Farrell does one of his trademark big hits, and it goes wrong. That is the type of thing that can cause head trauma. As stated, I think that difference is part of the reason for the extra vitriol experienced by Farrell (not agreeing with it, just trying to explain it).
ScottD
Roar Guru
You are right. History should only be a factor in sentencing. I'm not sure it always is the case. One of the issues is the "he's a good bloke" defence or "it was an accidental consequence" that is often immediately trotted out by coaches before the official panel (judiciary?) has even met .
Thom
Roar Rookie
Dave's guitar seemed to work better
Blink
Roar Rookie
What complete nonsense Brendan :laughing: . Make up a story and believe it.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
About 15 times less than he should have
Loosey
Roar Rookie
So what you’re saying is he deserves everything he gets including unhinged vitriol? I would imagine the post match review would reveal all his mistakes and bad decisions. Naturally, all done behind closed doors and appropriately ‘called out’. Is it the fans’ job to tell him how to play and act? I’d be inclined to go with what his coach and team mates say about him.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Relax. Never met a psych that didn’t need to see a psych themselves.
NotKev
Roar Rookie
I think there the issue is that there is a very different manner to be considered when Siya or Same Cane or Du Pont talk to the ref compared to OF. He struggles to remain calm under pressure and all the above mentioned points on his tackling etc are valid and real, as well as time on side lines. I believe he is probably a good guy, enough Saffa current and ex players say that about him incl John Smit who is a very decent human and I never saw him load at any ref regardless of situation. Its one thing to fight for your team but being walked for 2 penalities for ref bad talking says something ... even at high school rugby thats rare!!! And frankly when any captain tries to defend his players from a card when everyone else on big screen in stadium can see its high/dirty is def a question taht needs to be raised about captains etc find acceptable rather than accepting the leading role they play on screen to a gazilliion kids watching these things. Even worse when it is the captain doing these things regularly. as for the break, good for him, his family dont deserve to wear what he creates, no player or refs family does, and the sooner all countries who play rugby make SM death threats etc a police issue by law the sooner we can fix this disrespectful issue.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Not a fan of Farrell. Has got away with poor tackles for years. Looks like and act like a sook. But I’m an Aussie, so only right I should dislike him. But the Poms have this ability to eat their own. I recently saw the Becks series on Netflix. How much did he and his family suffer at the hands of pathetic cowards from his own country. There is only one person Poms hate more than themselves and that’s an Aussie. Gee it makes me proud.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
How often do you believe Farrell has been sent off in his 264 game (102 international) career?
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Regarding McCaw I think he would be reffered alot differently today. His walking back in the line special that Eben copied in the Final would have been alot more penalized rather than being just play on as it often was when he did it. His knee to the head of the 9 in the 2011 final would have been picked up by TMO as would other things. Its easy to say player X was much better but you get away with alot less now then you did it the 2000s when there was either no TMO or it was not used in game except for tries. Back in the 2000s alot more head shots were penalty only and shoulders to heads in rucks and laying on the wrong side were not under the scrutiny they are now. If you are in the way of the ball and scrum half it is now a penalty back then you had a few seconds to get out of the way. I am sure he would have been a great player still today, I doubt he would have got lots of cards but he would have picked up more yellows in the red zone now it is policed. Its like Ryan's maul defense in SR it worked great as it neve conceded a try and not even sure if it got any players binned. Same maul doing the same things has picked up cards and will pick up penalty tries because outside SR that is reffered diferently.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
I don't buy the Lawyer thing as every single T1 nation apart from maybe Argentina and Italy have top lawyers many of whom have played rugby at some level. Even the most capped ref is a successful lawyer. Most of the top lawyers went to the same schools as all the rugby blazers so saying England has a better one than anyone else is a load of rubbish. NZR argued that an international player could count the game with three haves that is played before the NPC as a warmup as one of his game even though no player who played in the EOYT or RC had played in that game since professionalism had started. We have seen all sort of players getting less punishment while T2 palyers get full punishment as they lawyers are not as well versed and the hearing is normally in English and its harder to remember a preplanned statement under cross examination when you are having to understand a second language. Farell has not been treated any differently to any other T1 player. As you say he plays on the edge but its been shown that refs rarely think he crosses the line. Compare that to some of the Argentines who have played on the line but pick up alot more red cards. Aki is another one plays on the line and pick up alot more cards than others in his positiion.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
He’s nearly always right on the boarder line. That takes real skill to not give away a heap of reds. But he makes a lot of tackles so he makes a few high shots. The really good lawyers the RFU can afford make a difference to not getting highly sanctioned. World Rugby had enough of it before RWC 2023. He choses to be on the edge. Just like McCaw chose to be on the edge at the ruck. People still hate McCaw, for just stealing the ball at the ruck. He wasn’t smashing people in the head often.