England has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje following the tragic passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently revealed the sad news of his mother’s death in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old forward was absent from Saracens’ Premiership game against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. He also missed the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George stepping in for media responsibilities.
Expressing empathy for Itoje, George highlighted the emotional challenges, drawing upon his own experience of losing his mother during the Six Nations in 2024. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and heal before returning to the team.
England is set to head to Girona for a warm-weather training camp ahead of their opening match against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. Itoje will rejoin his teammates in Spain after bidding farewell to his mother, and coach Steve Borthwick is confident in his readiness for the tournament.
In an Instagram post addressing the tragedy, Itoje shared heartfelt words honoring his mother’s impact on his life and expressing gratitude for her presence. Despite the profound loss, he finds solace in faith and believes his mother is watching over their family from above.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll on Itoje and emphasized the captain’s strength and leadership qualities. He looks forward to welcoming Itoje back to the team, recognizing his resilience and commitment to the squad.
Through this challenging time, England stands united in supporting Maro Itoje as he navigates the profound loss of his beloved mother.