England has pledged to support captain Maro Itoje in the wake of his mother’s tragic passing. Itoje recently shared the news of his mother Florence’s demise in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ Premiership match against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. Additionally, he was not present at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George handling media responsibilities in his absence.
George empathized with Itoje, drawing on his own experience of losing his mother during the 2024 Six Nations. Expressing heartfelt sentiments, George emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his loss before fully recommitting to the team.
England is set to convene in Girona for a warm-weather training camp ahead of their opening game against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. Itoje will join the team in Spain following his time in Nigeria, with head coach Steve Borthwick expressing confidence in his readiness for the upcoming tournament.
Reflecting on his mother’s passing in an Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to her pivotal role in his life and expressed gratitude for the impact she had on him. Despite the profound loss, he finds solace in his faith and believes his mother is watching over and guiding their family from above.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional challenge Itoje has faced and praised his growth as a leader, eagerly awaiting his return to the squad. The team stands united in their determination to support Itoje and honor his mother’s memory.