England has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje as he mourns the loss of his mother. Itoje recently shared the heartbreaking news of his mother Florence’s passing in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old forward missed Saracens’ Premiership game against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria and was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. In his absence, Jamie George, a friend of Itoje, stepped in to handle media responsibilities.
George, who tragically lost his own mother during the Six Nations in 2024, expressed empathy for Itoje’s situation, highlighting the challenging times ahead for his friend. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje the necessary time to grieve and heal before returning to the team.
As England prepares for their upcoming game against Wales at Twickenham on February 7, they are currently in Girona for a warm weather camp. Despite being in Nigeria currently, Itoje is expected to rejoin the team in Spain after his time with his family. Head coach Steve Borthwick is confident that Itoje will be emotionally prepared for the tournament.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje reflected on the profound impact his mother had on his life, acknowledging her as his source of strength and guidance. He expressed gratitude for her presence in his life and shared his belief that she is now watching over him from above.
Borthwick commended Itoje’s growth as a leader and eagerly anticipates his return to the team, emphasizing the support and understanding the entire squad has for their captain during this challenging time.