Bereaved Nigerian-born rugby star, Maro Itoje has gained off-field acclamation alongside his glamorous wife, Mimi, as they have been named England’s best sports couple in the present dispensation.
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Sports247 gathered that the latest acclaim for the England rugby national team captain comes barely two months after he quietly buried his mother at a private funeral in Nigeria.
The captivating accolade for Itoje and his wife appears as a special highlight for them on the glossy cover of human angle magazine, Hello! – which also gave the couple a remarkable photo splash.
Itoje and Mimi, who married in May of last year, before hosting a traditional Nigerian wedding party in late August, have now been dubbed ‘the sporting world’s hottest new power couple.’
After his wedding, the 31-year-old Itoje participated with England’s rugby national team in the British and Irish Lions’ Tour of Australia, which he described as the highlight of his outings in 2025.
However, when England beat Wales 48-7 to kick off their Six Nations campaign last weekend, Itoje started on the bench, having arrived late in the national team’s camp, following the death of his mother, Florence.
Itoje earlier confirmed the death of his mum in December, describing the sad news as ‘by far the biggest and most painful loss’ he has ever experienced, then flew to Nigeria for her funeral before joining England’s training camp in Girona.
“We are all deeply saddened for him. It has been incredibly challenging for him and his family. Being in Nigeria was an important step for him and everyone close to him.
“I think he will be really looking forward to being with the team and focusing on the Test matches,” said England’s rugby coach, Steve Borthwick, while expressing support for Itoje.
Sports247 gathered further that Itoje will return to England’s starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with Scotland, as The Lions try to end a six-year Murrayfield jinx and consolidate on their opening victory over Wales.
