Owen Farrell will not compete in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations, after the England fly-half announced he would be taking a break from international rugby.
The 32-year-old said he made the decision in order to focus on his and his family’s mental well-being.
Farrell has been a star of rugby’s greatest championship since making his international debut in the Calcutta Cup against Scotland.
He has earned 112 England caps since then, winning three Guinness Six Nations championships in 2016, 2017 and 2020, with Farrell captain for the latter of the three.
Farrell sits fourth on the list of Guinness Six Nations points scorers with 528, 18 behind compatriot Jonny Wilkinson and 38 off current record holder Johnny Sexton.
The fly-half also became England’s all-time top points scorer during this year’s Rugby World Cup, overtaking Wilkinson as he kicked his side to quarter-final victory against Fiji.
“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.”
