England’s national rugby team has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje as he copes with the recent loss of his mother, Florence. Itoje shared the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed his club Saracens’ Premiership game to be with his family in Nigeria and was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. Jamie George, a close friend of Itoje, stepped in to handle media responsibilities and expressed empathy, having also lost his mother during the Six Nations in 2024.
George emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his loss fully before returning to the team. England is currently preparing for their upcoming matches, with Itoje expected to rejoin the squad after his time in Nigeria.
Head coach Steve Borthwick praised Itoje’s resilience and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his return for the tournament. In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, describing her as his source of comfort and inspiration.
The team is set to train in Girona ahead of their match against Wales, with Itoje scheduled to join them after bidding farewell to his mother in Nigeria. The England squad is determined to support Itoje and honor his mother’s memory as they compete in the upcoming matches.