England has pledged to support their captain, Maro Itoje, after the tragic passing of his mother, Florence. Itoje recently revealed the sad news of his mother’s demise in December and has traveled to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ game 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 obligations.
George empathized with Itoje, sharing his own experience of losing his mother during the 2024 Six Nations. He expressed solidarity with Itoje during this challenging time, urging him to take the necessary time to grieve and process his emotions fully before returning to the team.
England is preparing for their upcoming match against Wales at Twickenham after a warm weather camp in Girona. Itoje will join his teammates in Spain following his mother’s funeral. Head coach Steve Borthwick is confident that Itoje will be mentally prepared for the tournament.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Itoje paid tribute to his mother, highlighting her significant influence on his life and expressing gratitude for being her son. He emphasized the profound loss her passing has brought to his family and found solace in his faith, believing she is now watching over them from above.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional toll on Itoje and emphasized the importance of this time for him and his loved ones in Nigeria. He praised Itoje’s leadership qualities and eagerly anticipates his return to the team.
The England team and supporters stand united in their support for Itoje during this difficult period, aiming to make him and his family proud through their performances on the field.