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England captain Maro Itoje hit by personal tragedy on eve of Six Nations

Maro Itoje will join up late with his England team-mates for their pre-Six Nations training camp in Girona after travelling to Nigeria to mourn the death of his mother

[Maro Itoje's mother Florence has passed away]

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Maro Itoje's mother Florence has passed away(Image: @maroitoje/Instagram)

England have promised to rally around captain Maro Itoje following the tragic death of his mother. Itoje announced recently that his mother Florence had passed away in December and he has gone to Nigeria for her funeral.

The 31-year-old forward missed Saracens Premiership match against Newcastle on Saturday to be with his family in Nigeria. He was also absent from the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, leaving his friend Jamie George to take media duties.

George spoke movingly about the parallels with his own experiences, having lost his own mother during the Six Nations in 2024. "We've spoken a lot. The parallels are scary, really," the former England skipper said. "It's heartbreaking news. I know how much of a difficult time he's going through.

"My biggest message to him was to make sure he gives himself enough time to grieve and to process things. He's had a good opportunity to do that and is only going to come back when he's fully ready to give everything of himself to the squad.

"He's in Nigeria at the minute but he'll be back ready to give all of himself to the team and be successful to make the rest of his family very proud. We're all determined to do that for him, too."

England are travelling to Girona for a warm weather camp before their opening game against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. Itoje will fly out to Spain to join his team-mates after saying farewell to his mother and head coach Steve Borthwick is sure he will be ready for the tournament.

When I have talked to him, I sense emotionally he has found it very tough," Borthwick said. "In Nigeria this week, it is an important step for him and everyone close to him. Hes developed to be a really powerful captain. We look forward to having him back with us.

[Maro Itoje's mother Florence has sadly passed away]

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Maro Itoje with his mother Florence(Image: @maroitoje/Instagram)

[Maro Itoje of Saracens]

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Maro Itoje will captain England at the Six Nations(Image: Getty Images)

In an Instagram post detailing the tragedy, Itoje wrote: "For many reasons 2025 was one of the best years of my life, due to both personal and professional milestones and achievements. Despite this it was also the most difficult year of my life as my mother unfortunately passed away in December, 2025. This was by far the biggest and most painful loss that I have ever experienced.

"She was my confidant, gist partner, friend, advisor, teacher and my comfort. There is no part of my life where she has not positively impacted!

"I thank God for her life and to be lucky enough to be called her son. She was the glue and heartbeat of our family and she leaves a hole that will never be filled.

"I take comfort through my faith and belief that she is in Heaven looking down on us and guiding us from up there. May she rest in perfect peace. Love you Mama."

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