England has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje after the tragic loss of his mother. Itoje recently shared the news of his mother Florence’s passing in December, prompting him to travel to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old forward missed Saracens’ Premiership match against Newcastle last weekend to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George stepping in for media duties.
George empathized with Itoje, drawing on his own experience of losing his mother during the 2024 Six Nations. Expressing heartfelt sentiments, George highlighted the importance of allowing Itoje the necessary time to grieve and process his emotions before returning to the team at full capacity.
England is preparing for their upcoming game against Wales at Twickenham on February 7 by heading to Girona for a warm-weather training camp. Itoje will join his teammates in Spain after bidding farewell to his mother, with head coach Steve Borthwick expressing confidence in Itoje’s readiness for the tournament.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll on Itoje and emphasized the significance of his time in Nigeria for healing and reflection. He praised Itoje’s leadership qualities and eagerly anticipated his return to the squad.
In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje shared the profound impact his mother had on his life and expressed gratitude for being her son. He described her as the pillar of their family and acknowledged the irreplaceable void left by her passing, finding solace in his faith that she is watching over them from heaven.
The team stands united in their support for Itoje during this difficult time, rallying around him as he navigates his grief and prepares to rejoin the squad.