Marcus Smith on Owen Farrell’s resolution to take a break from worldwide rugby: “It’s quite scary to be honest because when you see such a powerful person having to step down in the game, it almost reminds you that mentally we’re all human and we all feel the same feelings”
Last Updated: 04/12/23 10:33pm
England’s Marcus Smith says seeing Owen Farrell take a break from worldwide rugby to prioritise his and his household’s psychological well-being is a reminder to everybody to take care of themselves
England’s Marcus Smith says seeing Owen Farrell take a break from worldwide rugby to prioritise his and his household’s psychological well-being is a reminder to everybody to take care of themselves
Marcus Smith mentioned it was “quite scary” to see England team-mate Owen Farrell step away from worldwide rugby.
England captain Farrell, who’s his nation’s file pointscorer, will miss the 2024 Six Nations so as to prioritise his and household’s psychological well-being.
Smith performed alongside Farrell in 4 matches on the Rugby World Cup as England claimed a third-placed end however the latter was ceaselessly booed in France, typically together with his household current within the stadium.
Smith informed Sky Sports News: “I know England try their best trying to ensure your family time is well accounted for.
“However, whenever you’re taking part in at that kind of degree, and he is been doing it for years, an absolute legend of the sport and of English rugby… To see him wrestle with this, I need to want him the easiest and hope every little thing is alright with him and his household.
Former England prop Rocky Clark says Farrell has proven braveness and bravado by taking time away from the sport to deal with his psychological well being
“It’s quite scary to be honest because when you see such a powerful person having to step down in the game, it almost reminds you that mentally we’re all human and we all feel the same feelings.
“Hopefully it’s an excellent pointer for all of us that we’d like to keep in examine with our psychological well being and take care of our minds at the beginning.”
Farrell will continue to play for Saracens and could feature in Saturday’s Champions Cup opener against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Saracens boss McCall blasts ‘shameful’ treatment of Farrell
Saracens boss Mark McCall says he can’t understand the ‘shameful’ treatment of Farrell by some supporters and the media
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall has criticised the treatment of Farrell in what he believes should be a wake-up call for rugby.
Farrell has long been a lightning-rod figure in the sport, but the condemnation peaked in August when he was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Wales, a decision which was overturned by a disciplinary hearing only to then incur a ban on appeal.
McCall is impressed he delivered a series of strong performances in France despite shouldering a heavy burden and suffering the jeers of some supporters.
Former Burnley and Leeds defender Clarke Carlisle praised Farrell for taking time away to prioritise his mental health
“It’s exceptional that he performed the best way he performed in the course of the World Cup, if we keep in mind how he was feeling,” McCall said.
“He is an individual who is true on high of his sport in the intervening time, but he and his household have been made to really feel the best way they really feel. It is shameful – it’s not proper.
“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.
Heather Fisher said it should get to a point where athletes taking a break from their sport, to look after their mental health, isn’t a newsworthy story
“There was a story created and began and that is been there for fairly a while. There’s solely a lot that somebody can take. On high of that, he is a superb, caring, supportive team-mate and a loyal pal to many, and an excellent, first rate human being. That’s the particular person I do know.
“It was courageous and brave of him to open up. I admire Owen for many reasons anyway, but even more for doing this. I’m not worried about Europe or the club at all. I’m worried about Owen. We want him to be OK and happy. Clearly he hasn’t been.”
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