Sir Clive Woodward slams ‘unjust and personal’ attacks on Owen Farrell as England captain steps back from Test rugby

Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has laid into Owen Farrell’s critics, who may have played a part in his decision to step back from Test rugby.

The 32-year-old has long been a target for social media trolls, and it has ultimately come to a head in 2023.

Farrell felt he had no option other than to take a break from the highest level of the sport to protect his and his family’s mental health.

Saracens’ playmaker has arguably come under more scrutiny than any other player in the game having been at the forefront of English rugby for over a decade.

Tournament pressure

There is also the pressure of high-profile tournaments to consider, with the World Cup only recently ending, but Woodward insists that the barrage of abuse he has received has been unacceptable.

“It is with great sadness and disappointment that Farrell’s move comes as no great surprise considering the extraordinary weight his shoulders have been forced to bear and the unjust criticism he has had to face. Only he will know how much influence this had over his decision,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“Rugby, sport and society have all come a long way in understanding mental health, but there is still so much more that can be done. Athletes and coaches ask a great deal of themselves.

“They put themselves into situations that are, while an utter privilege and filled with joy at times, can also leave you wondering how you will get out of bed some days.

“This is not a burden they carry alone. Their families face the same trials and pressures.

“For whatever reason, he has never had the praise he’s deserved. In fact, he’s ended up being criticised a lot — often personally and unjustly. I wonder whether that has had an impact.”

RWC ban

Farrell was at the centre of a storm prior to the global tournament when he was sent off for a dangerous hit on Wales’ Taine Basham in a World Cup warm-up.

The red card was initially downgraded by the independent panel, which led to shock and anger within the rugby sphere.

That public outcry, which lasted a week, saw the fly-half caught in the middle before he was eventually banned for four matches.

While there was frustration at World Rugby and the panel who originally presided over case, Woodward felt that rage was also aimed at the England skipper.

“Farrell was left exposed, as players often are, and the subsequent targeting of him was way over the top and totally uncalled for,” he added.

“That was summed up when he was booed at the World Cup. For a player who has given so much, that was unforgivable.”

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