England’s national rugby team has pledged their full support to their captain, Maro Itoje, following the tragic passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently revealed the news of his mother’s death in December and has traveled to Nigeria to attend her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ game against Newcastle and was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. Jamie George, a close friend and teammate, stepped in to handle media responsibilities in Itoje’s absence.
Expressing empathy for Itoje, George shared his own experience of losing his mother during the 2024 Six Nations, emphasizing the importance of allowing Itoje the necessary time to grieve and heal before returning to the team.
Despite being in Nigeria for his mother’s funeral, Itoje is expected to rejoin the team for their warm-weather training camp in Girona ahead of their match against Wales on February 7. Coach Steve Borthwick expressed confidence in Itoje’s emotional readiness and leadership upon his return.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje reflected on the profound impact his mother had on his life, describing her as his confidant, friend, and guiding light. He expressed gratitude for her influence and love, acknowledging the irreplaceable void her passing has left in his life.
As Itoje navigates this difficult period, his team and coaches stand in solidarity, ready to support him as he processes his grief and prepares to rejoin the squad with renewed strength and focus.