‘I was desperately sad’ – Hogg claims there is ‘unfair narrative’ surrounding Farrell

Saracens fly-half Farrell was the subject of a statement released by his club on Wednesday that emphasised that the 32-year-old was taking the decision “in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being.”

Farrell is England’s leading points scorer on the international stage and has represented his country 112 times, playing in a number of positions across the backline.

But he was targeted by boos during the World Cup in France, with Saracens boss Mark McCall branding the treatment he has received “shameful” and calling out some members of the media for creating a “social media pile on”.

Ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby clash between Harlequins and Sale Sharks match, live on TNT Sports from the Stoop, former Scotland full-back Hogg said he felt “desperately sad” for Farrell and his family.

“I’m a massive believer in if you get the best person, you get the best rugby player,” said Hogg.

“Owen, being the leader and fierce competitor that he is, has taken a massive decision to concentrate on himself which is admirable, but it’s also selfless at the same time because he wants to give the best he can for his team, and does he really think he’s going to be at his best? Potentially not.

“I’m gutted for him because for me as a rugby fan, I want to see the best players in the best tournaments. That’s Owen Farrell, captain of England, captaining the side in the biggest tournament that I believe there is.

“It’s desperately sad for him because he’s a quality player and there’s an unfair narrative around [him], if I’m being brutally honest. Like everything in life now, you can do 95% of things spot on, and you’re judge