England rugby captain Owen Farrell’s team Max Malins has called the abuse directed toward Farrell “shocking” and “ridiculous”. As England cut back on psychology resources for the World Cup, Wales coach Warren Gatland mentioned his own battle with a troll, calling the person “an Irish dickhead.”
Farrell has opted to miss the season’s Six Nations to prioritize his mental health along with that of his family. According to a report from UK Telegraph, it is expected that Farrell may miss up to a year and that he is almost certainly not going to play on the tour to Japan and New Zealand. There are also doubts over his return for the autumn series next year which includes Test against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Malins, Farrell’s old Saracens colleague, expressed his support for the England captain. He said he believes Farrell will return as good as he was.
Farrell led England to a third place in last month’s World Cup in France but his preparation for the tournament was far from smooth. He received a four-match suspension following a shoulder-led tackle to the head of a player during the World Cup warm-up game against Wales. He faced considerable attacks on social media and was booed by some fans during games. Commenting on the treatment Farrell has received, Malins expressed that it is shocking and surprising.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall also came in support of Farrell and criticized the shameful treatment he has received. Owen will continue to play for Saracens and the team and his fans hope for his return to the international game when he is ready. Warren Gatland, sharing his experience with a troll, said that the messages kept coming from an Irish number and hence he saved the number under the name ‘Irish dickhead’.
It has also come to light that the RFU scaled back psychological support for the England team at the World Cup, with only in-person access to a sports psychologist on a part-time basis throughout the tournament.