England’s national rugby team has pledged their support for their captain, Maro Itoje, following the tragic passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently revealed that his mother died in December, prompting him to travel 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 absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George stepping in for media responsibilities.
George, who also experienced the loss of his own mother during the 2024 Six Nations, empathized with Itoje, emphasizing the importance of allowing time for grieving and processing emotions. Despite being in Nigeria currently, Itoje is expected to rejoin the team in Spain for a warm-weather camp before the Six Nations kick-off against Wales at Twickenham on February 7.
Coach Steve Borthwick expressed confidence in Itoje’s readiness for the tournament, acknowledging the emotional challenges he has faced. In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, describing her as his confidant, friend, and guiding light. The team is determined to support Itoje during this difficult time, with a unified goal of making his family proud on the rugby field.