England’s national rugby team has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje after the heartbreaking loss of his mother. Itoje recently shared the news of his mother Florence’s passing in December, leading him to travel to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ match in the Premiership against Newcastle to be by his family’s side in Nigeria. Additionally, he was not present at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, as his friend Jamie George stood in for media obligations.
George, who empathized with Itoje’s grief due to his own loss during the Six Nations in 2024, expressed his solidarity with Itoje during this challenging time and emphasized the importance of allowing him the space to grieve and heal before returning to the team.
Despite his absence, Itoje is expected to join his teammates in Girona for a training camp ahead of their match against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. Head coach Steve Borthwick expressed confidence in Itoje’s readiness for the upcoming tournament following his time in Nigeria.
In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje commemorated his mother’s life and impact, highlighting her significant role in his life and expressing gratitude for having been her son. He shared his belief in her presence guiding him from above and wished her eternal peace.
The team stands united in supporting Itoje through this difficult period, with a focus on his well-being before his return to competitive play.