Ellis Genge
Date of birth (1995-02-16) 16 February 1995
Place of birthBristol, England
Height1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)[1]
Weight113 kg (249 lb; 17 st 11 lb)[1]
SchoolHartpury College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Current team Bristol Bears
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 Bristol Bears 18 (25)
2015 → Plymouth (loan) 2 (0)
2016–2022 Leicester Tigers 111 (70)
2022– Bristol Bears 11 (30)
Correct as of 28 August 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015 England U20 8 (5)
2016– England 58 (25)
Correct as of 28 August 2023

Ellis Genge (born 16 February 1995) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a prop for Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears and the England national team.[2][3]

He made his international debut for England in 2016. Genge played 26 times for Bristol in a first spell between 2013 and 2016, before joining Leicester Tigers where he played 111 times between 2016 and 2022. He was Leicester captain as they won the 2021-22 Premiership Rugby title. He is known for his aggressive ball carrying and gain line success.

Early life

Born in Bristol[2] Genge grew up on the Knowle West council estate,[4] and was educated at John Cabot Academy.[5] He is a fan of Bristol Rovers football club.[6]

He started playing rugby aged twelve at Old Redcliffians playing in the back row.[7] At sixteen, Genge moved to Hartpury College and captained their rugby team to victory in the AASE league.[7] Genge represented England at youth level from U17 up to U20.[8] According to Genge, he was first introduced to the front row by former England youth coach Bobby Walsh originally to have as an additional option but this eventually resulted in a permanent career change.[9]

Club career

Bristol (2013–2016)

Genge joined Bristol at the age of eighteen and was convinced to change position from back row to prop by the offer of a two-year contract if he made the positional change.[7] He went on loan to Clifton to play loosehead prop in National 2 South during the 2014–2015 season starting thirteen games and coming on as a substitute in one other match.

Genge made his professional debut for Bristol on 8 December 2013 in the British and Irish Cup against Scottish side Gala, scoring a try in a 62–7 win.[10] His first league game in the RFU Championship came against London Scottish on 26 September 2014.[7] Genge represented England at under-17 level.[8] He was a member of the England Under-20 squad that won the 2015 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[11][12] Later that year he started for the side that lost to New Zealand in the final of the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship to finish runners up.[13][14]

He made 26 appearances during his first spell at the club.[15]

Early time at Leicester Tigers

Genge gained the attention of Richard Cockerill, moving to Leicester Tigers on loan in February 2016.[8] The move was, in part, due to off-field issues, including being arrested after an away game against Ulster in 2015.[10][16] He made his Leicester debut as substitute against Wasps on 12 March 2016, replacing Marcos Ayerza, and his first start came on 7 May 2016 against Bath at the Rec. The move to Leicester was made permanent on 26 May 2016.[15]

Genge became a regular for Leicester in the 2016–17 season playing a club-leading 31 matches in the season. It was during this campaign he started for the side that defeated Exeter Chiefs in the final of the 2016–17 Anglo-Welsh Cup.[17] The season ended with him named the club's young player of the year and winning the Premiership Discovery of the Season Award.[18][19]

On 2 December 2017 Genge suffered a shoulder injury in a league match against Wasps.[20] After four months injured he returned to the starting line up on 7 April 2018 against Bath in a match at Twickenham.[21]

Leicester Tigers captain

For Leicester, Genge scored a try against Ulster in the semi-final of the 2021 EPCR Challenge Cup as Leicester came back from an 11-point half-time deficit to win.[22] He then started in the final as they finished runners up to Montpellier by a single point.[23]

Genge captained Leicester for the first time in September 2020, a 54–7 defeat away to Wasps,[24] and was appointed as the club's permanent captain, replacing Tom Youngs, before the 2021-22 Premiership Rugby season.[25] Genge lead Leicester to their first league title for nine seasons as they beat Saracens 15–12 in the 2022 Premiership Final.[26]

Return to Bristol Bears (2022–)

On 15 December 2021 it was confirmed that Genge would leave Leicester in the summer of 2022 to re-join Bristol.[27] The signing was announced with a video that caused controversy.[28] Genge revealed that closeness to family and the ability to see them regularly played a key part in his decision, with covid lockdowns having caused him to re-assess his priorities.[29]

International career

England debut (2016–2018)

In May 2016 Genge received his first call-up to the senior England squad by coach Eddie Jones after only one start for Leicester.[30] On 29 May 2016 he made his international debut as a second-half substitute during a 27–13 win against Wales at Twickenham.[31][32] Genge was included on the 2016 England rugby union tour of Australia but was not used in any of the matches.

At the end of the season with Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola selected for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, Genge made his first start for England on their tour of Argentina.[33]

Rugby World Cup (2019)

Genge scored his first international try in a warm-up game for the 2019 Rugby World Cup against Italy at St James' Park.[34] He was selected for his first world cup and made two substitute appearances at the tournament both during the pool stage against Tonga and USA.[2][35] He did not participate in the knockout phase as England finished runners up to South Africa.[36]

England regular starter (2020–)

Genge scored the winning try against Scotland during the 2020 Six Nations Championship.[37] After the delay caused by the COVID Pandemic lockdown he came off the bench in the final round of the competition as England beat Italy to win the tournament.[38] Genge started for England as they defeated France in extra time to win the Autumn Nations Cup.[39] In July 2021 Genge scored a try against Canada.[40]

Genge was included in the squad for the 2022 tour of Australia and scored a try in the first test match, which England lost 30–28.[41] He was prominent during the second test victory in Brisbane and then started again in the decisive final match as England defeated Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground to win the series.[42][43]

On 21 November 2022, Genge was named in World Rugby's team of the year as the best loosehead prop.[44]

Personal life

Genge is mixed race. His father is White British[45] and his maternal grandfather is African American.[46]

He has developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia).[47]

In September 2020, Genge became a father to his first child, a son.[48]

Style of play

Genge's scrummaging has benefited from the tutelage of veteran internationals Marcos Ayerza and Dan Cole.[16] He is known for his very powerful ball-carrying skills, aggression and work-rate.[4][16]

Career statistics

List of international tries

As of 13 November 2022[2]

TryOpposing teamLocationVenueCompetitionDateResultScore
1 ItalyNewcastle, EnglandSt James' Park2019 Rugby World Cup warm up match6 September 2019 Win 37 – 0[34]
2 ScotlandEdinburgh, ScotlandMurrayfield Stadium2020 Six Nations8 February 2020 Win 13 – 6[37]
3 CanadaLondon, EnglandTwickenham Stadium2021 Summer Internationals10 July 2021 Win 70 – 14[40]
4 AustraliaPerth, AustraliaOptus Stadium2022 England rugby union tour of Australia2 July 2022 Loss 30 – 28[41]
5  Japan London, England Twickenham Stadium 2022 Autumn Nations Series 12 November 2022 Win 52 – 13
6  Scotland London, England Twickenham Stadium 2023 Six Nations 4 February 2023 Loss 23 – 29

Honours

England
Leicester Tigers

References

  1. 1 2 "Ellis Genge player profile". rugbyworldcup.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Ellis Genge". ESPN Scrum. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Ellis Genge". Bristol Bears. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  4. 1 2 Schofield, Daniel (13 October 2017). "Ellis Genge interview: Leicester Tigers prop talks violence, aggression and why he is always angry". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  5. ↑ Freeman, Will (10 March 2022). "Ellis Genge and England teammates give 'amazing' virtual training session to Bristol schoolchildren". Bristol Post. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  6. ↑ Bryant, Toby (8 March 2023). "England Six Nations star is huge Bristol Rovers fan and uses Gashead woes as rugby motivation". Bristol World. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Young Gun: Ellis Genge – England U20s and Bristol prop". The Rugby Paper. 6 March 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 "Ellis Genge: Leicester Tigers sign Bristol prop on loan". BBC Sport. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  9. ↑ "The Lockdown One With Ellis Genge". Apple Podcasts: House of Rugby. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  10. 1 2 Gallan, Daniel (16 June 2022). "Ellis Genge aims to leave Leicester on top after 'biggest game' of his career". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  11. ↑ "Six Nations 2015: Wales U20 21-15 England U20". BBC Sport. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  12. ↑ Malin, Ian (20 March 2015). "England win Under-20 Six Nations title for fourth time in five years". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  13. ↑ Kitson, Robert (19 June 2015). "World Rugby Under-20 Championship final: New Zealand v England who's who". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  14. ↑ "World Rugby U20 Championship: New Zealand 21-16 England". BBC Sport. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  15. 1 2 "Ellis Genge joins Leicester Tigers from Bristol on a permanent deal". BBC Sport. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 Squires, Neil (6 May 2017). "Ellis Genge opens up about going from a rebel at Bristol to becoming a Leicester cult hero". Daily Express. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
  17. 1 2 "Anglo-Welsh Cup final: Exeter Chiefs 12-16 Leicester Tigers". BBC Sport. 19 March 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  18. ↑ "Players pick their best of the season". Leicester Tigers. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  19. ↑ Lawson, Ross (18 May 2017). "Ellis Genge pays tribute to Leicester Tigers teammates after scooping Land Rover Discovery of the season award". Premiership Rugby. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  20. ↑ Meagher, Gerard (6 December 2017). "England's Ellis Genge to miss start of Six Nations after shoulder surgery". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  21. ↑ Rees, Paul (7 April 2018). "Sione Kalamafoni shows his class as Leicester launch comeback at Bath". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  22. ↑ Morrow, Michael (30 April 2021). "Leicester Tigers 33-24 Ulster: Stunning second half Leicester fightback sinks Ulster". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  23. 1 2 "Challenge Cup final: Leicester Tigers 17-18 Montpellier - Leicester miss out on European title". BBC Sport. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  24. ↑ Heagney, Liam (11 September 2020). "Leicester have given their verdict on whether first time captain Ellis Genge will skipper them again". RugbyPass. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  25. ↑ Heagney, Liam (26 August 2021). "Ellis Genge appointed skipper as Leicester revamp leadership group". RugbyPass. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  26. 1 2 Aloia, Andrew (18 June 2022). "Premiership final: Leicester Tigers 15-12 Saracens - Freddie Burns drop-goal clinches title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  27. ↑ Evely, John (15 December 2021). "Bristol Bears set to bring home England and Leicester Tigers star Ellis Genge". Bristol Post. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  28. ↑ Bridge, Bobby (16 December 2021). "Ellis Genge: Bristol Bears' reveal video 'classless' claim Leicester Tigers fans". Leicester Mercury. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  29. ↑ Bridge, Bobby (12 January 2022). "Ellis Genge sheds light on Bristol Bears move: 'Certain circumstances forced my hand'". Leicester Mercury. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  30. ↑ Kitson, Robert (22 May 2016). "Ben Te'o among four uncapped players for England's tour of Australia". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  31. ↑ Smith, Alan (29 May 2016). "England 27-13 Wales: international rugby union – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  32. ↑ Dirs, Ben (29 May 2016). "England 27-13 Wales: Hosts score five tries but Ford misfires". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  33. ↑ Standley, James (10 June 2017). "England beat Argentina thanks to Denny Solomona's late try". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  34. 1 2 Grey, Becky (6 September 2019). "Rugby World Cup: England grind out warm-up win over Italy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  35. ↑ Fordyce, Tom (22 September 2019). "England 35-3 Tonga: Eddie Jones' side battle to opening World Cup win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  36. 1 2 Fordyce, Tom (2 November 2019). "England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  37. 1 2 English, Tom (8 February 2020). "Scotland 6-13 England: Visitors reclaim Calcutta Cup and keep Six Nations title hopes alive". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  38. 1 2 Grey, Becky (31 October 2020). "Italy 5–34 England: Visitors' victory proves enough to win Six Nations title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  39. 1 2 Henson, Mike (6 December 2020). "Autumn Nations Cup: England beat France in sudden death". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  40. 1 2 "England 70-14 Canada". BBC Sport. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  41. 1 2 Grey, Becky (2 July 2022). "England suffer dismal defeat by 14-man Australia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  42. ↑ "Australia 17-25 England: Eddie Jones' side win second Test to level series". BBC Sport. 9 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  43. ↑ Henson, Mike (16 July 2022). "Australia 17-21 England: Tourists seal series win over Australia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  44. ↑ "GENGE AND STEWARD NAMED IN WORLD RUGBY DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR". Premiership Rugby. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  45. ↑ "Ellis Genge, in his words". England Rugby. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  46. ↑ "Bristol and England rugby star Ellis Genge to take DNA test over Muhammad Ali links". ITV. 3 September 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  47. ↑ Hennessy, Jason (6 September 2018). "Ellis Genge Was The Talk of Television Last Night Following This Incredible Interview". RugbyLAD. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  48. ↑ "Ellis Genge: Everything is 'different' and 'strange' back in England camp". SkySports. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
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