England has pledged to support their captain, Maro Itoje, after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently shared the news of his mother’s passing in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.

The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ Premiership match against Newcastle over the weekend 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.

Expressing empathy, George drew parallels with his own past experience of losing his mother during the Six Nations in 2024. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his emotions fully before returning to the team.

As England prepares for their opening game against Wales on February 7 at Twickenham, they are heading to Girona for warm-weather training. Itoje is expected to join his teammates in Spain after bidding farewell to his mother. Head coach Steve Borthwick is confident that Itoje will be mentally prepared for the upcoming tournament.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje reflected on his mother’s passing, describing her as his confidant, friend, and mentor. He expressed gratitude for her impact on his life and shared his belief that she is watching over him from heaven.

Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll the loss has had on Itoje and praised his growth as a leader. The team eagerly anticipates his return to the squad.

Throughout our platforms, including Reach and its affiliates, we and our partners utilize data collected through cookies to enhance user experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized ads. You can manage your data sharing preferences by adjusting settings on our website. By using our services, you consent to our use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.