England and British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje announced the death of his mother Florence, who passed away in December, in a heartbreaking post on social media
Maro Itoje’s mother Florence died at the end of 2025(Image: PA)
Maro Itoje is not in the England starting team today after the death of his mother, Florence. Itoje announced her passing on January 23 and subsequently travelled to Nigeria for the funeral.
It meant he missed the Six Nations launch event and the start of England’s training camp after being hit hard by the loss. That has seen him picked only on the bench for the game against Wales, despite being the team’s captain.
The 31 year old lock had a momentous year in 2025, guiding the Lions to their first series win in 12 years. Away from the rugby field, Itoje celebrated his marriage to model Mimi in a beautiful ceremony in August.
However, in an Instagram post, Itoje revealed that despite the personal and professional triumphs of 2025, it was also “the most difficult year” of his life due to his mother’s death in December.
Describing her passing as “the biggest and most painful loss,” the Saracens player posted a picture of himself with his parents and another from his wedding day with his mum, honouring her as “the glue and heartbeat” of his family, reports Wales Online.
“For many reasons, 2025 was one of the best years of my life, due to both personal and professional milestones and achievements,” he penned.
“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!”.
Itoje continued: “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.”
England coach Steve Borthwick expects the Twickenham crowd to give him an emotional reception when he does come on. “I’m sure he’s going to have incredible impact off the bench and I’m sure that the crowd at Allianz Stadium will give him the roar he deserves when he comes to the touchline ready to come on the pitch and show just how much they care about him and his family,” Borthwick said.
“Maro and his family have been dealing with an incredible loss, the sad loss of his mum [Florence]. We all feel for him in that regard, he travelled to Nigeria and back and has had a big load from a travel perspective. So I’ve made the decision that he’s going to be on the bench this week.”
Among those offering their sympathies was England teammate Jamie George – who himself lost his mother to cancer just before being appointed England captain in 2024 – responding to the post with two heart emojis.
England backs Henry Slade and Marland Yarde also expressed their condolences using emojis, whilst Manu Vunipola commented: “My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.”
Former Saracens player Elliott Obatoyinbo expressed his sorrow, writing: “So sorry Maz. May she rest in peace,” whilst Wales international Liam Williams’ wife, Sophie Harries, shared her sympathies, stating: “So sorry Maro, she was so wonderful”.
Television presenter AJ Odudu also sent her condolences, commenting: “My condolences to you and all your family. May she rest in peace.”