'We're there for him' - England will rally round grieving Itoje says George

Club and country team-mate Jamie George says England will rally around captain Maro Itoje as he grieves the death of his mother.

Itoje missed a Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh on Monday, having travelled to Nigeria for the funeral.

George's own mother died during the 2024 Six Nations after being diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks before.

"It's horrible news, I've been through it myself," said George, who plays alongside Itoje at Saracens and has toured with him three times for the British and Irish Lions.

"It's a hugely challenging time for him and a hugely challenging time for his family.

"The way he has carried himself over the last few months has been incredibly impressive. The important thing is that he's been given enough space to mourn and grieve.

"The way he has kept showing up and put the team first in a lot of ways has been incredible.

"I know he'll be wanting to do his family proud over the next short period of time. We're all very proud of him and will be there for him."

George, 35, has announced his plan to retire from rugby in 2027, either at the end of Saracens' season or, if selected, once England's Rugby World Cup campaign is over.

He says setting out his plans in advance has focused his mind on enjoying every moment playing for an England team which is currently on an 11-match, year-long winning run.

"I'm hoping to be to play a part in next year's Six Nations, so you never know when your last game's going to be," he added.

"Obviously I set that date, that's my ideal world of when I'll finish.

"I've always loved every moment of playing for England, and it just emphasises the fact that I have to embrace every part of it, the good, the bad and the ugly."

After finishing second in last year's Championship, England get their Six Nations title bid started against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on 7 February.