England’s team has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje following the tragic loss of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently announced the passing of his mother in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old forward missed Saracens’ match against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria and was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. In his absence, his friend Jamie George handled media responsibilities and shared his empathy, having also lost his mother during the Six Nations in 2024.
Expressing solidarity with Itoje, George emphasized the importance of allowing time for grief and processing emotions before returning to full commitment to the team. England is currently preparing for the upcoming games, with Itoje scheduled to join them in Spain after attending his mother’s services.
Coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the emotional challenges Itoje is facing and highlighted the player’s growth as a leader. Borthwick looks forward to Itoje rejoining the squad, confident in his readiness for the tournament.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, describing her as his pillar of strength and source of guidance. He expressed gratitude for her impact on his life and shared his belief that she is watching over their family from heaven.
As England stands in solidarity with Itoje during this difficult time, the team remains focused on their upcoming matches, starting with the game against Wales at Twickenham on February 7.
