England captain Owen Farrell will miss the 2024 Six Nations after taking an indefinite break from international rugby union.

The RFU say the Saracens fly-half has taken the decision "in order to prioritise his and his family's mental well-being".

Farrell, 32, will continue to play club rugby during this period.

England head coach Steve Borthwick said: "Everyone at England is 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 is an exemplary player, captain and leader and always gives his all for his country.

"It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner. Together with all of us at England, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward."

England are due to start their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on February 3.

Their most recent outing came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa last month.

Farrell has made 112 appearances for the Red Roses since making his debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in February 2012.

He became captain of his country in 2019 and led the team to the final of the Rugby World Cup that year, when they also lost to the Springboks.

Farrell holds the record for the most points scored by an England player (1237) with Will Carling the only man to skipper the side on more occasions than the Lancastrian's 48.