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 missed Saracens’ Premiership game against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with friend Jamie George stepping in for media obligations.
Reflecting on the situation, George shared his empathy, having faced a similar loss during the Six Nations in 2024. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his emotions fully before returning to the team.
As England prepares for their opening match against Wales on February 7, they are currently in Girona for a warm-weather training camp. Itoje is expected to join his teammates in Spain after bidding farewell to his mother, with head coach Steve Borthwick expressing confidence in his readiness for the upcoming tournament.
In an Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, highlighting her significant role in his life and expressing gratitude for the impact she had on him and their family. He found solace in his faith, believing that she is now watching over them from above.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional challenge Itoje has been facing and praised his growth as a captain, looking forward to his return to the team. The England squad is united in their determination to support Itoje and honor his mother’s memory throughout the season.