"Victim of abuse" - Owen Farrell given unexpected reception after being spotted in the Twickenham crowd

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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His club Saracens said the 32-year-old was stepping back from the national side to "prioritise his and his family's mental well-being".

Steve Borthwick, said in a statement that everyone in the England set-up was "fully behind Owen's decision".

"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 said in a statement.

"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."

At the weekend, Marcus Smith delivered a last second drop-goal in the dying moments as England showcased their finest performance under the Steve Borthwick era, stunning Ireland in an electrifying Six Nations clash. 

It was heartening to witness during the weekend when Farrell, accompanied by his family, received applause and cheers as he appeared on the big screen at the game.

With 112 England caps under his belt, Farrell's joviality at full-time was evident as he exchanged banter with his father post-match, audibly quipping, "Good game Dad."

In response, Andy Farrell, the Ireland boss, reciprocated with a smile and a friendly pat on the back, leaving Owen in fits of laughter as they parted ways.

Despite Ireland holding the advantage, thanks to their bonus points, the competition is far from decided, leaving room for various outcomes among the trio.

Next Saturday, all eyes will be on Dublin as Ireland hosts Scotland at 4:45 pm, while England faces off against France in a high-stakes clash kicking off at 8:00 pm.

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Even if Ireland falls to Scotland, there's still a path to the Championship. If they manage to secure a losing bonus point along with a try bonus point, they'll reach 18 points, making it impossible for any other team to surpass them.

Alternatively, if Ireland loses to Scotland but England fails to secure a win against France, Ireland would be on at least 16 points, with England only able to reach 14 points with a draw.

Even with just one bonus point from their match against Scotland and England winning in France without a bonus point, Ireland would still edge ahead with 17 points, leaving England on 16. This scenario would mark a historic first for a team not winning the most games in the Six Nations yet clinching the championship.

Should England triumph over France in Lyon with a try bonus point, and Ireland loses to Scotland without securing a bonus point, England would claim the Six Nations Championship.

An additional point from a bonus win would bring England to 17 points, while Ireland's loss without a bonus point would leave them on 16.

Even Scotland has a slim chance at the Six Nations Championship. They would need a bonus point win against Ireland, a victory margin of at least 39 points, prevent Ireland from securing any bonus points, and hope England fails to win or, if they do, does so without a bonus point and with a winning margin of less than 45 points.

Just like France, Scotland risks plummeting to the depths of fifth place should they falter to secure any bonus points in their upcoming showdown against Ireland.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Scotland finds itself on the precipice of triumph. A victory in any form would clinch the coveted Triple Crown, following triumphs over Wales and England earlier in the Championship.

However, the narrative could have unfolded in a vastly distinct manner if not for the nail-biting TMO decision and the unfortunate collapse against Italy.

If two teams are level on league points, the higher-ranked side will be decided as follows:

1. The teams will be placed according to the difference between the total points scored and the total points conceded – points difference.

2. If their points difference is the same, then they will be placed according to the number of tries (including penalty tries) scored in all matches.

3. If any that still does not separate the two teams, then they will be placed equally.