England has pledged their support for captain Maro Itoje following the tragic passing of his mother, Florence, in December. Itoje, currently in Nigeria for his mother’s funeral, missed Saracens’ recent match against Newcastle and was absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh.
Jamie George, a friend of Itoje and former England skipper, empathized with him, as he had also lost his mother during the Six Nations in 2024. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his loss before returning to the team fully prepared.
Despite being in Nigeria at the moment, Itoje is expected to join his teammates in Spain for a warm weather camp before their upcoming match against Wales on February 7. Head coach Steve Borthwick expressed confidence in Itoje’s emotional strength and leadership, looking forward to his return to the squad.
In an emotional Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, highlighting her profound influence on his life and the irreplaceable void her passing has left. He expressed gratitude for her presence and impact, finding solace in his faith that she is watching over their family from above.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll Itoje has been facing and emphasized the significance of his time in Nigeria for healing and closure. He commended Itoje’s growth as a captain and eagerly anticipated his return to the team.