Jamie George says he's confident that England will rally around skipper Maro Itoje as he grieves the death of his mother. Itoje missed a Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh on Monday, having traveled to Nigeria for the funeral. The Saracens and England prop has been an emotional rock throughout the tournament but George believes that with time away from the game, Itoje can "grieve properly" and get some solace.
For his part, Jamie George says he's had his own share of experiences with losing loved ones during his playing career. His mother passed away just a few weeks into last year's Six Nations, and in 2024, she was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly before the tournament began. "It's horrible news... It's a hugely challenging time for him and a hugely challenging time for his family," George said.
However, he also emphasized that the way Itoje has handled himself over the last few months has been impressive. The Saracens prop said: "The important thing is that he's been given enough space to mourn and grieve." He went on to say: "The way he has kept showing up and put the team first in a lot of ways has been incredible."
And although he may have his own personal struggles, George is excited about being part of England's next season. As part of Jamie George's plan to retire from rugby in 2027, both he and Itoje want to make every moment count while playing for the team.
For his part, Jamie George says he's had his own share of experiences with losing loved ones during his playing career. His mother passed away just a few weeks into last year's Six Nations, and in 2024, she was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly before the tournament began. "It's horrible news... It's a hugely challenging time for him and a hugely challenging time for his family," George said.
However, he also emphasized that the way Itoje has handled himself over the last few months has been impressive. The Saracens prop said: "The important thing is that he's been given enough space to mourn and grieve." He went on to say: "The way he has kept showing up and put the team first in a lot of ways has been incredible."
And although he may have his own personal struggles, George is excited about being part of England's next season. As part of Jamie George's plan to retire from rugby in 2027, both he and Itoje want to make every moment count while playing for the team.
. I mean, we all sympathize with the guy, but let's not forget he's got a team to win and a legacy to uphold... can't have him being held back by his emotions all the time 
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this is so sad for maro itoje to lose his mum 
... like i can imagine how hard it must be for him to balance grieving with training/testing for england 
george is right tho, taking time off the game will help him process his emotions and come back stronger 
gotta wish him all the best for now 
I can imagine how tough this must be for Maro Itoje right now 
losing his mom is never easy and it's like the world has come to a standstill for him 
. I had similar experiences when my grandma passed away in high school, it was so frustrating to balance grief with exams and uni life 
and it's awesome that he's being super supportive of his teammate 
. I just hope Itoje takes all the time he needs to get through this 
, and then we can expect him to come back stronger than ever 
Maro Itoje just lost his mum and it's like the whole rugby world is still stuck on that last Six Nations 
what a way to travel in your free time 
anyway guess Itoje will just keep putting one foot in front of the other like hes always done 
. I'm glad he's getting support from his teammates and friends 
. It's amazing how rugby can bring people together in more ways than just on the pitch 
Missing a launch event to attend his mum's funeral isn't exactly "grieving properly", but I guess it's progress? Jamie George seems like a solid dude for having his own share of experiences with losing loved ones and supporting Itoje through this tough time. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to retire in 2027 while still being able to play for England - that sounds like the ultimate fantasy life 
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and its awesome that he's being supportive 
but seriously jamie george knows what hes talking about because hes gone thru that himself too 
especially during these tough times lets hope he finds solace and can keep playing for england with the passion and energy we know he has 
it's clear they have a strong bond, and it's amazing how they're handling this tough time together 
