The news that Owen Farrell had taken an indefinite leave of absence from international rugby to protect his and his family’s mental health following the horrific abuse he suffered at the World Cup was shocking when it emerged last November; But Friday’s development overshadowed November news on the Richter scale that the England fly-half was in advanced talks with Racing 92 over a potential move across the Channel at the end of this season – perhaps turning his back on English rugby altogether. This England captain isn’t just taking a break from international rugby; But I’m looking for an escape.
Ostensibly one of England’s greatest players and captain under Steve Borthwick, Farrell’s departure is a dire outlook for English rugby. In these pages, chief sportswriter Oliver Brown wrote that Farrell’s departure would be a major indictment against the system; both in terms of its charm and culture. If Farrell leaves, these words will be as logical and correct as those written before the end of the season. But the reality of the situation is such that both elements are true: the circumstances surrounding Farrell’s departure mean he will challenge the disappearance of three Premiership clubs on English rugby’s darkest day; but given these facts, it could be a shrewd move by England’s de facto captain.
It’s a move born of difficult circumstances, of course, but it may be the only way to secure Farrell’s future in England. The harsh criticism he and his family faced at the World Cup may never abate without a real reset; a circuit breaker. This plan, a fresh start in France, could be just that. This would allow the narrative around Farrell to be erased as he continued to play to a high standard, in the comfort of a team led by his former coach Stuart Lancaster, who made his England debut. There’s a chance the temperature will cool down within two years and Farrell could be back on these shores and named in Borthwick’s 2027 World Cup squad, depending on how George Ford and the like do. Marcus Smith performs in his absence. Given how much the England head coach also admires his captain, there is no doubt that if Farrell were to travel to the Paris circuit, he would do so with Borthwick’s approval.
But the problem is that while some of Farrell’s World Cup booing came from England fans, the bulk of it came from neutral or away fans; Inside was a significant collection of French rugby stalwarts. While escaping English rugby for good may be the turn of the page Farrell needs, he may have to look further afield, to Japan or Super Rugby, to reach his intended destination.
The losers in all this will be Saracens. Of course, English rugby will be fundamentally worse off, but the damage has already been done and the genie is out of the bottle. But at his club, Saracens, he is idolized and respected by everyone; senior players and the director of rugby continually fail to understand why Farrell has become such a lightning rod for insults and hatred. Saracens’ playmakers have led them to countless victories and with him at the helm (captain or not) they have managed to conquer both Europe and England on many occasions. McCall’s respect is so great that he often cannot openly address Farrell by name. He is just a “captain”; Someone who once again led like a lion despite defeat at Welford Road on Saturday.
There are also some parallels to be drawn with Jonny Wilkinson, the one man who arguably surpasses Farrell in the list of England’s greatest fly-halfs. The World Cup winner has been open and honest about the inner anguish he has experienced since he first burst onto the international rugby scene as a fresh-faced 19-year-old. It was only with a move to Toulon, where he helped create a European dynasty alongside other superstars, that Wilkinson truly found himself and approached inner peace; playing the rugby of his life. The difference between Wilkinson and Farrell is that where the former’s internal situation resulted from the pressure placed on himself, the latter’s condition resulted from external factors beyond Farrell’s control. And Wilkinson was more than happy to finish his England career and win it all when he went to the Côte d’Azur in 2009; Whether Farrell is so willing to turn his back on the England jersey for good, with only one Grand Slam and no World Cup to his name, is the million-dollar question.
There is no doubt that Farrell’s departure will be a major blow for English rugby. But light often emerges from darkness. For English rugby, let’s hope this brilliance does not come too late and that one of the country’s greatest talents is not cast aside.