{"id":400847,"date":"2026-01-31T16:03:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T16:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/400847\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T16:03:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T16:03:25","slug":"she-saw-me-captain-lions-but-ill-never-get-over-losing-mum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/400847\/","title":{"rendered":"She saw me captain Lions, but I\u2019ll never get over losing Mum"},"content":{"rendered":"

In so many ways, 2025 was the greatest year of Maro Itoje\u2019s life. He was made England captain and drove a renaissance for the national team. He led the British & Irish Lions to a Test series victory in Australia. And he married Mimi Fall, an artist and model, in two ceremonies in London either side of the Lions tour. The first a traditional British church wedding in Mayfair, the second a colourful Nigerian celebration of Urhobo culture, song and traditional dress.<\/p>\n

But Itoje, 31, also reflects on 2025 as his toughest experience. Through all of those professional and personal highlights, Itoje was weighed down by concerns for the fluctuating health of his mother, Florence; concerns he largely kept secret. Florence had watched her son play rugby around the world but, in July, she had been unable to fly to Australia with the Lions. She was an important presence at the wedding ceremonies but she died shortly before Christmas, at the age of 66.<\/p>\n

Itoje missed the start of England\u2019s Six Nations training camp in Girona, Spain, last week because he had travelled to Nigeria for Florence\u2019s funeral, held at St Patrick\u2019s Cathedral in his mother\u2019s \u201cancestral home\u201d of Eku in Delta state. There are moments as we talk over lunch when his voice cracks but he is composed, in control. Itoje was recovering from a knee injury when his mother died, which allowed him valuable time and space to start processing his feelings and to gain some perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have been very difficult to have played straight off the back of the news,\u201d Itoje says. \u201cIt gave me time to grieve. It\u2019s been difficult, to be honest. It\u2019s been challenging on both the professional and the personal front. It\u2019s just the paradox of life. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been one of the most joyous, celebratory years of my life: getting married, the Lions, England getting back to where we think we should be, playing my 200th game for Saracens. So many milestones that were hit. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut at the same time, my mum was going through it. It wasn\u2019t necessarily linear, so she got better, got worse, got better, got worse. We didn\u2019t lose hope up until the very end. It wasn\u2019t easy. There were points throughout the year where I was extremely fatigued from an emotional point of view, because you\u2019re trying to balance your family commitments as well as your professional commitments. <\/p>\n

\u201cFor a long time, your professional commitments are all consuming. So when you\u2019re trying to balance the two, and to be in leadership roles within every environment, it is difficult. You learn to try to compartmentalise. <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t really make it a public thing. So I let some of my coaches know and a couple of players but I didn\u2019t really share it. I didn\u2019t want it to be a topic of conversation. <\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

Itoje and his wife Mimi after the second Test victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in July. Itoje\u2019s mother was too unwell to travel to Australia<\/p>\n

DAVID DAVIES\/PA<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy that my mum got to witness a lot of these things. She got to witness me get married. As the mother of the groom, she played a pretty significant role in both weddings. She got to witness me going on my third Lions tour as captain. She got to witness me become an England captain. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat means a lot to me. I know it meant a lot to her as well. So I feel somewhat blessed that I was able to do those things and she was able to enjoy those things.\u201d <\/p>\n

Itoje has found solace in his faith. \u201cMy mum wasn\u2019t young, but she wasn\u2019t old. She was 66 years old, just celebrating her 66th birthday,\u201d he says. \u201cShe was an extremely health-conscious person. Obviously I\u2019m biased, but I think my mum was one of the kindest, most warm people that one would ever meet. Who I am is because of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it does make you think, \u2018Why her, out of all the people in the world? Why her?\u2019 But at the same time, I\u2019m also a believer that you can\u2019t question God. I believe she\u2019s in a place where there\u2019s no more pain, no more suffering, only peace and joy. That has been a huge comfort to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

Itoje married Mimi in August after returning from the victorious Lions tour to Australia<\/p>\n

@MAROITOJE\/INSTAGRAM<\/p>\n

Itoje\u2019s parents Florence and Efe were born in Nigeria, and had little understanding of rugby when their sons, first Jeremy and then Maro, began to play the sport at St George\u2019s School, Harpenden. Itoje was a natural athlete; a 200m runner, a basketball player, and he represented England in the shot put. But it was rugby that captured him.<\/p>\n

While supportive, their priorities were strict: the boys could enjoy their rugby providing their grades were good. Itoje went on to Harrow School, where he studied politics, economics and statistics for A-level, earning straight As. On one April Fool\u2019s Day, Itoje sent Efe an email saying he wanted to focus on rugby and would not be going to university. His father did not speak to him for three days. <\/p>\n

Itoje did advance his education, with a degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London while playing for Saracens. Florence and Efe grew to love their rugby. They would attend every England game and travel the world to watch their son. They would watch Saracens even if he was not playing. \u201cThey have to know they have our support,\u201d Efe would say.<\/p>\n

Finding his parents in the stands after a game became part of Itoje\u2019s routine. In 2017, they were in Wellington to witness 30,000 Lions supporters singing \u201cOh Maro Itoje\u201d after his immense performance in the second Test victory over New Zealand; now one of Itoje\u2019s most precious memories. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy mum really hated flying, but she came everywhere, to all the countries in Europe. She came to South Africa, New Zealand, Australia. Unfortunately, she couldn\u2019t make her way out this summer [on the Lions tour] because of her condition,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t really understand rugby, but it ended up being a core part of their social life and they thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave them the opportunity to go around the world and see different places and get in touch with the culture. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019re a kid and you\u2019re playing rugby, you look over to your parents and you want your parents to be there. Then you probably go through some more rebellious sort of stage where you\u2019re like, \u2018Oh, if you want to come, come. If you don\u2019t want to come, don\u2019t\u2019. <\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old had been told that the England captaincy was his destiny since he was a teenager<\/p>\n

DAVID ROGERS\/GETTY IMAGES<\/p>\n

\u201cMy parents always came. And I probably thought at that time, \u2018Oh, this is more for them than it is for me\u2019. But now that this has happened, I am so grateful that they were as supportive and as willing to make arrangements to come and support me.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that my mum has unfortunately passed, I take so much pleasure and joy that I was able to share those experiences with her. I remember being in the stands with them in 2017, after the second Test. They were ever-present at England games. I\u2019m definitely going miss the presence of my mum being there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Itoje was complimented in recent weeks on how much he had taken after his mother. He described himself as \u201ca poor imitation\u201d, although many of the character traits he inherited from Florence are evident in the way he captains Saracens, England and the Lions. <\/p>\n

His leadership style is inclusive. He is thoughtful, calm and measured, not bombastic. He does not curse in any circumstances, which is rare in a rugby changing room when the intensity is high and the testosterone is flying. <\/p>\n

Itoje<\/a> had been told that the England captaincy was his destiny since he was a teenager. After leading England Under-20 to a world title in 2014, Saracens sent him on leadership courses with captains of industry and military figures. Itoje was made Saracens captain in August 2024, England captain in January 2025 and Lions captain the following May. <\/p>\n

At one stage, though, it was uncertain whether Itoje would fulfil that destiny. Eddie Jones, when he was England head coach, feared he was too \u201cinward-looking\u201d to be a leader. Jones was perhaps suspicious of Itoje\u2019s life and interests outside of rugby, which are plentiful and range from African art to politics. He has a foundation providing education to under-privileged children in Nigeria, Ghana and London. <\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

Itoje has been told he is like his late mother in many respects<\/p>\n

STEVE BARDENS \u2013 RFU\/THE RFU COLLECTION VIA GETTY IMAGES<\/p>\n

Itoje worked on his communication skills but he always felt that Jones had made \u201ca wrong diagnosis\u201d of his character. Over the past 18 months, he has demonstrated that on the biggest stage and in some of the most trying circumstances. <\/p>\n

Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, wanted a captain who was \u201ccalm, calculated and could roll with the punches\u201d. Farrell had also noticed that Itoje\u2019s performances for club and country had improved with all the additional responsibilities. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t always happen,\u201d Farrell said. \u201cSometimes people shrink with the responsibilities. His nature, he is inviting others to be themselves.\u201d At that stage, Farrell would not have been aware of the emotional burden Itoje was carrying.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother was very measured. Very calculated. I think I am the same. I am not quick to anger,\u201d Itoje says. \u201cShe grew up incredibly privileged. Her dad was an extremely wealthy man. But she never discriminated against people based on wealth or class. She would look at their heart. I know it doesn\u2019t sound humble to say you are humble, but I think I got that from her. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t take advantage of her because she had strong principles. There\u2019s so much I think I\u2019ve taken from her. The loss of my mother is a hole that will never be filled. But in terms of moving forward, her principles, her values will continue to be with me. She\u2019ll be guiding me from up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving forward for Itoje, after a period of stillness and reflection, meant flying home from Nigeria and straight into the intensity of England\u2019s training camp, preparing for their opening Six Nations fixture, against Wales next Saturday, and a championship which holds such promise for a flourishing England team.<\/p>\n

As the conversation turns fully to rugby, Itoje is energised. England have won their past 11 Tests. They are on a promising course bound for the World Cup in 2027 with a young, vibrant and improving squad. He arrived into camp with a galvanising message.<\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

Itoje believes that England are on the cusp of achieving something special<\/p>\n

TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND<\/p>\n

\u201cThis team is going in a certain direction,\u201d he says. \u201cI feel like it\u2019s a train heading north, and it\u2019s up to all of us as players to decide whether or not we want to get on this train. <\/p>\n

\u201cI do believe the team is going to go on to achieve special things, and we can either be a part of it or be at home watching it on TV. <\/p>\n

\u201cI, for one, definitely want to be a part of it. It\u2019s about applying myself so I can help the team and lead the team in the best way I possibly can. That is a message that will be consistent through to the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2024, England were a competitive team who lacked the depth or experience to see out games. They would fall away in the final quarter. Steve Borthwick, the head coach, worked to address that failing through 2025. <\/p>\n

With 14 players selected by the Lions, England\u2019s summer tour was invaluable for building depth. Guy Pepper made his debut in Argentina and went on to start all four autumn Tests. Joe Heyes, Fin Baxter and Alex Coles all stepped up as leaders of Test quality. Arthur Clark, Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh all impressed and are now in the senior squad. <\/p>\n

That increased depth allowed Borthwick to borrow a strategy from South Africa and start strong while loading his bench with experience. With half an hour to go, England would send on five Lions forwards together: Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock. The sight of those brilliant white kits entering the fray had a galvanising effect on the team and the crowd. England completed a clean sweep of their autumn fixtures, with victories over Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s actually not the results [that gives me belief]. It\u2019s the mindset and intensity of the team, and how it feels like the team is really becoming more and more united,\u201d Itoje says. \u201cWhat\u2019s helped that has been the importance that Steve has placed on the bench, and the guys who aren\u2019t in the match-day 23.<\/p>\n

Read more Six Nations build-up<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we played New Zealand, the non-23 cut us alive in training on the Thursday. They cut us and cut us and cut us. If we didn\u2019t have that intensity to our training, then we would have been in trouble when it came to the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the intensity of training, the team unity, how it feels like we\u2019re genuinely aligned, is coming through in our performances. But it\u2019s not something that\u2019s static, it\u2019s not something that you just have. You have to continue to work on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Maro<\/p>\n

Itoje and his England team-mates have been preparing for the Six Nations at a training camp in Spain<\/p>\n

STEVE BARDENS\/GETTY IMAGES<\/p>\n

Itoje made his international debut off the bench against Italy in Rome in 2016, stepping into a revitalised England team under Jones, with Borthwick as an assistant, who were on course to win the grand slam, sealed with a victory over France in Paris. He was man of the match against Wales on only his second Test start and World Rugby\u2019s breakthrough player of the year. Itoje attended the ceremony in Monaco with his parents. <\/p>\n

\u201cI was naive,\u201d he says, looking back on his younger self. \u201cI think there\u2019s a beauty in naivety, though. I was very hungry to play, I was very hungry. I wanted to have the career that I\u2019ve gone on to have. The whole experience has been a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

England have won three Six Nations titles during Itoje\u2019s career, in 2016, 2017 and 2020. For those who relish symmetry or symbolism, this year\u2019s campaign also concludes with a trip to play France in Paris. \u201cOf course, I would have loved to have won more championships,\u201d Itoje says. \u201cI\u2019m excited about this campaign and this opportunity that we have in front of us. I feel like we can go on to do something special.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In so many ways, 2025 was the greatest year of Maro Itoje\u2019s life. He was made England captain…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":400848,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[5903,101,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-400847","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-rugby","tag-rugby","tag-sports","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/400847","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=400847"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/400847\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/400848"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=400847"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=400847"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=400847"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}