England’s national rugby team has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje following the tragic passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently shared the news of his mother’s death in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ Premiership game against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh, where his friend Jamie George stood in for media obligations.
George, who had also lost his mother during the Six Nations in 2024, expressed empathy for Itoje, emphasizing the importance of allowing sufficient time for grieving and healing. He assured that Itoje would return when emotionally ready to contribute fully to the team’s efforts.
England is preparing for their upcoming fixtures, starting with a match against Wales at Twickenham on February 7, by heading to a warm-weather training camp in Girona. Itoje is expected to join the team in Spain after completing his responsibilities in Nigeria, with head coach Steve Borthwick expressing confidence in his readiness for the tournament.
In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje reflected on his mother’s profound impact on his life and expressed gratitude for her presence. He described her as his confidant, friend, and guiding force, acknowledging the irreplaceable void her loss has left in their family.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional journey Itoje is on and praised his growth as a leader, eagerly anticipating his return to the team. The England squad is united in their commitment to supporting Itoje during this challenging period as they aim to make his family proud through their performances on the field.
