England has pledged to support captain Maro Itoje after the tragic passing of his mother. Itoje recently revealed that his mother, Florence, died in December, prompting him to travel to Nigeria for her funeral.
The 31-year-old player missed Saracens’ Premiership game against Newcastle to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, with his friend Jamie George stepping in for media responsibilities.
George empathetically shared his own experience of losing his mother during the Six Nations in 2024, expressing solidarity with Itoje. He emphasized the importance of allowing Itoje time to grieve and process his loss before returning to the team fully prepared.
England is set to convene in Girona for a warm weather training camp ahead of their opening match against Wales on February 7 at Twickenham. Itoje will rejoin the team in Spain following his time in Nigeria, and coach Steve Borthwick is confident in his readiness for the tournament.
Borthwick acknowledged the emotional challenges Itoje has faced and highlighted the significance of his time in Nigeria for personal healing. He praised Itoje’s growth as a captain and expressed anticipation for his return to the squad.
In an Instagram post, Itoje shared his heartfelt sentiments, describing his mother as his pillar of strength and expressing gratitude for her impact on his life. He found solace in his faith, believing his mother is watching over their family from heaven.
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