England’s national rugby team has expressed their support for captain Maro Itoje following the recent passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje, who revealed the sad news of his mother’s death in December, traveled to Nigeria for her funeral, causing him to miss Saracens’ match against Newcastle and the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. In his absence, his friend Jamie George took over media responsibilities.
George, who himself lost his mother during the Six Nations in 2024, empathized with Itoje’s situation and emphasized the importance of allowing time for grieving and healing before returning to the team. England, currently preparing in Girona for their upcoming game against Wales, will welcome back Itoje, who is expected to join the squad after his time in Nigeria.
Head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the emotional difficulty Itoje has faced and commended his growth as a leader, looking forward to his return. In an Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, describing her as his confidant, friend, and guiding light, expressing gratitude for her impact on his life and faith in her eternal presence.
The team stands united in their support for Itoje during this challenging time, aiming to make him and his family proud through their performance on the field.