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World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont hopes England captain Owen Farrell can return “reinvigorated” after making himself unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations.
Beaumont, himself a former England captain, said the decision was not one the player “would have taken lightly”.
“As a player the last thing you want to do is give up playing for your country,” Beaumont said.
“He has been a great leader for England over the years,” he added, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Farrell, who will continue playing for and captaining Saracens, became his nation’s all-time record points scorer during the World Cup in October.
The fly-half and centre – who was suspended for England’s opening two World Cup games for a dangerous tackle during a warm-up win over Wales – was booed by some in France, where England achieved a bronze medal following a semi-final defeat by South Africa.
“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,” Beaumont said.
“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.”?
England head coach Steve Borthwick has praised Farrell’s “courage” and said he would do everything he could to “ensure that he has the support he requires going forward”.
Speaking about the abuse Owen received at the World Cup by fans – both on social media and in the stands in France – Beaumont said World Rugby were reviewing how to tackle such issues in the sport.
“We look at it all the time,” he said. “The abuse of players and match officials is the last thing we want during a game and we are constantly monitoring it on a regular basis.”
He added on Farrell: “Hopefully after rest and recuperation he can come back reinvigorated to resume his England career.”
