England’s national rugby team has pledged their support for their captain, Maro Itoje, following the recent passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje revealed that his mother died in December, prompting him to travel to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ Premiership match against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. Additionally, he was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George handling media responsibilities on his behalf.
George empathized with Itoje, drawing parallels to his own experience of losing his mother during the Six Nations in 2024. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his loss fully before returning to the team.
England is currently preparing for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, with a training camp in Girona before their first match against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. Itoje is expected to join his teammates in Spain after concluding his time in Nigeria.
Head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll the loss has taken on Itoje and expressed confidence in his return for the tournament. Borthwick praised Itoje’s growth as a captain and looks forward to having him back with the team.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his late mother, describing her as his support system and inspiration. He expressed gratitude for her impact on his life and found solace in his faith, believing she is watching over him from above.
The team stands united in supporting Itoje during this challenging time and is committed to honoring his mother’s memory through their performance on the field.