Six Nations: Maro Itoje at Mother’s Funeral and Scotland v England

Florence was a constant sight on the sidelines of her son’s matches, having been transformed into a rugby fan by her son’s prowess and progress.

“I remember when I was 15 or 16, I got a phone call from the academy director at Saracens telling me they needed me to train with the first team,” recalls Itoje, who read a passage from the Bible at Florence’s funeral in Echo.

“I was so excited, like I’d won a million pounds. I walked up the stairs. My mum was on the phone and I told her.”

“She looked at me like ‘Is this meant to be a good thing?’”

“But then she became a huge rugby fan. She was going up and down the country and all over the world. There’s not a tour I’ve been on that she hasn’t been involved in.”

“Whether it’s South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England tours; [British and Irish] The Lions tours, all the cup finals, and obviously all the Premier League stuff, has always been there.

“She will be greatly missed.

“Getting back into the team was probably the best thing that could have happened.

“Going right into that environment with players I know so well and players who have been so supportive, welcoming and understanding, as well as the coaches and staff. They’ve all been great.”