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England rugby captain Maro Itoje makes heartbreaking announcement – ‘Most painful loss’

England and British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje has made a heartbreaking announcement.

Maro Itoje shared a heartbreaking social media submit. (Picture: Getty Pictures)

England and British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje has shared the devastating information that his mom, Florence, has handed away. The 31-year-old lock was appointed captain of his nation earlier than final yr’s Six Nations, the place Steve Borthwick’s workforce secured second place, earlier than Andy Farrell chosen him to guide the Lions squad throughout their Australian tour final summer time. That includes in each minute of the opening two Checks towards the Wallabies, Itoje guided the vacationers to their first sequence triumph in 12 years.

Away from rugby, he additionally married his mannequin spouse, Mimi, in a gorgeous ceremony in August. However posting on Instagram on Friday morning, Itoje disclosed that while he had loved large private {and professional} achievements in 2025, it was concurrently “probably the most troublesome yr” of his life, together with his mom’s demise in December.

Describing her passing as “the most important and most painful loss,” the Saracens ahead posted {a photograph} of himself together with his dad and mom, alongside one other of him and his mum at his wedding ceremony, and honoured her as “the glue and heartbeat” of his household.

“For a lot of causes, 2025 was the most effective years of my life, attributable to each private {and professional} milestones and achievements,” he wrote.

“Regardless of this, it was additionally probably the most troublesome yr of my life as my mom sadly handed away in December, 2025. This was by far the most important and most painful loss that I’ve ever skilled.

“She was my confidant, gist accomplice, good friend, advisor, instructor and my consolation. There is no such thing as a a part of my life the place she has not positively impacted!

Former Saracens participant Elliott Obatoyinbo commented: “So sorry Maz. Might she relaxation in peace,” while Wales worldwide Liam Williams’ spouse Sophie Harries prolonged her sympathies, stating: “So sorry Maro, she was so fantastic”.

Tv presenter AJ Odudu additionally expressed her condolences, commenting: “My condolences to you and all your loved ones. Might she relaxation in peace.”

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