England and Toulon prop Kyle Sinckler believes that more rugby players may follow Owen Farrell’s decision to step back from international duties.
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Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Sinckler highlighted the immense pressure and workload faced by top-level players, calling for more support from rugby’s governing bodies.
A Call for Support from Authorities
Sinckler, who has earned 68 caps for England, stressed the need for better systems in place to help athletes cope with the physical and mental toll of international rugby.
“If I’m being honest, it’s only the beginning,” he remarked. “If you look at the workload the players go through, especially the international players… Guys have been in [World Cup] camp for five months, get a week’s rest, and then come back in and are playing week-in and week-out.”
With players enduring long periods of intense competition and little time for recovery, Sinckler suggested that it would not be surprising to see more individuals take time off to protect their health.
Overcoming a Career-Threatening Injury
A Personal Story of Recovery
Sinckler also opened up about his personal journey through injury, revealing that he came close to retiring after a severe back injury during his time with Bristol Bears. Sharing his story on Instagram, the England prop described how he was initially overwhelmed by panic and uncertainty.
“Not many people know that two years ago I suffered a potentially career-ending back injury. At the time, as you can imagine, I was in panic and confusion. My decision-making was cloudy and I was unsure as to the best path to take for healing,” he wrote.
Choosing a Holistic Approach
Fortunately, Sinckler’s support team guided him towards a natural, non-surgical route to recovery. Although initially uncertain, he expressed gratitude for the advice he received, noting the importance of trusting the body’s ability to heal itself.
“I learnt to trust the body. The body is capable of healing if we give it the right environment and trust it to do what it is designed to do, which is heal!” he added, encouraging a shift in perspective towards health and recovery.
Sinckler’s story sheds light on the physical challenges athletes face, while his reflections on healing serve as a reminder of the importance of mental resilience and faith in recovery.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”