England’s national rugby team has expressed their support for captain Maro Itoje following the recent passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje revealed the sad news of his mother’s death in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed a match for his club, Saracens, to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George stepping in for media obligations.
George empathized with Itoje, drawing on 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 the loss before returning to the team fully prepared.
England is preparing for their upcoming game against Wales, with a training camp in Girona, Spain. Itoje will join the team in Spain after attending his mother’s funeral, and head coach Steve Borthwick is confident in his readiness for the tournament.
In an Instagram post, Itoje shared his deep sorrow over his mother’s passing, describing her as his confidant, friend, and mentor. He expressed gratitude for her impact on his life and the void her loss has created.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional challenges Itoje has faced and praised his growth as a captain, looking forward to his return to the team. The England squad is committed to supporting Itoje during this difficult time and honoring his mother’s memory.