Maro Itoje will lead England from the outset against Scotland on Saturday, marking his first start since the passing of his mother, after initially being named as a replacement for the Six Nations opener against Wales.

As Itoje prepares to captain England for the first time since his mother's death, he has described the experience as "incredibly sad" and "incredibly emotional", but expressed gratitude for the support he has received.

Following his mother's funeral in Nigeria, Itoje joined England's Six Nations training camp and came off the bench in the win against Wales, prior to being named in the starting lineup for the Calcutta Cup match against Scotland.

The 31-year-old's return to the second row is a significant boost for England ahead of Saturday's encounter at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

In an interview with Rugby Union Weekly, Itoje reflected on his emotional state, stating, "It's been incredibly sad, incredibly emotional, but I'm taking each day as it comes and I'm OK."

Itoje recounted his recent trip to Nigeria, where he attended his mother's funeral, describing the experience as a "whirlwind" that involved traveling to his family's ancestral home in Delta State.

The journey took him from Lagos to Warri, and then to his family's hometown, where he found the experience to be both deeply emotional and peaceful.

Itoje felt a sense of closure and satisfaction in being able to take his mother back to her ancestral home, despite the challenging circumstances.

The match between England and Scotland is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14th February, at 16:40 GMT.

The Calcutta Cup match will be held at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with live commentary available on various BBC platforms.

Fans can tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app for live coverage of the match.

Itoje's mother, Florence, was a regular presence at his matches, having become an avid rugby fan due to her son's success in the sport.

Itoje recalled a pivotal moment in his career when, at the age of 15 or 16, he was invited to train with the Saracens first team, and his mother's initial skepticism eventually gave way to unwavering support.

As Itoje shared the news with his mother, she was initially unsure of the significance, but soon became a devoted fan, attending numerous matches and tours throughout his career.

Itoje's mother accompanied him to various destinations, including South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and was a constant presence at his matches, including cup finals and Premiership games.

Her passing will be deeply felt, but Itoje has found solace in being back with the team and surrounded by supportive teammates and staff.

The England captain expressed his gratitude for the welcoming environment and understanding of his colleagues, which has helped him navigate a difficult time.

Itoje acknowledged that his mother's absence will be deeply felt, but he is focusing on the present and taking things one day at a time.

Being back with the team has been a positive experience for Itoje, who appreciates the support and camaraderie of his fellow players and coaches.

The collective support of the team has been instrumental in helping Itoje cope with his loss, and he is now focused on the upcoming match against Scotland.

Itoje's return to the England lineup is a significant development ahead of the Calcutta Cup match.

Meanwhile, other players, such as Ford, are also preparing for the match, with their own unique approaches to training and competition.

A photo of Itoje and his mother, taken after Saracens' Champions Cup win in 2017, serves as a poignant reminder of their close relationship.

Itoje's mother had a profound influence on his life, extending beyond rugby to his various off-field interests and pursuits.

The England captain has founded a charity, runs an art gallery, and has hosted his own podcast, demonstrating his diverse range of interests and passions.

In a recent event at Downing Street, Itoje spoke about Englishness and identity, highlighting the complexities of these issues.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments on immigration and Britain being "colonised by immigrants" have sparked controversy, with Itoje expressing disagreement with the terminology and sentiments used.

Itoje stated that he disagrees with Ratcliffe's views, believing that the language used was inaccurate and misleading.

The England captain emphasized that he does not think Great Britain has been colonized by immigrants, and that Ratcliffe's comments were factually incorrect.

Itoje's thoughts on the matter are part of a broader discussion on identity, immigration, and the complexities of these issues.

The England captain's reflections on his faith and his approach to challenging situations have also been explored in recent discussions.

Fact-checking of Ratcliffe's claims has revealed inaccuracies in his statements, highlighting the importance of verifying information.

Itoje proudly identifies as a Londoner and an Englishman, while also acknowledging his Nigerian heritage, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and complexity.

The England captain views his role as a source of pride, and he is committed to representing his country with dignity and respect.

Itoje's heritage is an integral part of his identity, and he is proud to celebrate both his English and Nigerian roots.

The England captain believes that Ratcliffe's comments were poorly phrased and factually incorrect, but he commends the businessman for apologizing and acknowledging his mistakes.

Itoje's response to Ratcliffe's comments has been measured and thoughtful, reflecting his commitment to promoting understanding and respect.

The intersection of sports and social issues is a complex and multifaceted topic, with various perspectives and opinions emerging.

The latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast explores these issues and more, offering insights and analysis from experts and athletes alike.