England Captain Maro Itoje Granted Compassionate Leave for Mother’s Funeral

England rugby captain Maro Itoje has been granted a temporary leave of absence from the national team’s training camp. The star lock traveled to Nigeria to attend his mother’s funeral, following her recent passing. This compassionate leave means Itoje will miss a crucial portion of the squad’s preparations for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed the news on Monday, expressing full support for their captain during this difficult period. Head coach Steve Borthwick emphasized that family remains the absolute priority for every member of the squad. Consequently, the coaching staff has made necessary adjustments to the leadership structure during Itoje’s brief time away from the camp.

Itoje’s presence is central to England’s tactical and emotional strength on the field. Since taking over the captaincy, he has been a pivotal figure in the team’s recent resurgence and defensive discipline. While his absence from training is significant, the RFU expects him to rejoin the group later this week. His return will depend on travel logistics and his personal readiness to resume high-performance duties.

The England squad is currently stationed at their warm-weather training base, fine-tuning strategies for their opening tournament fixture. In Itoje’s absence, senior players like Jamie George and Ellis Genge are expected to shoulder more leadership responsibilities. Despite the personal tragedy, teammates have rallied around their captain, offering messages of solidarity and respect.

Public support for the 31-year-old has been overwhelming across social media and the rugby community. Itoje has always been vocal about his Nigerian heritage and his close bond with his family. Fans and pundits alike have commended the RFU for their empathetic handling of the situation. The team remains focused on their sporting goals while respecting their leader’s need for personal mourning and reflection.