Ellis Genge, known for his unfiltered opinions and candid remarks, is looking forward to a pivotal moment in England’s Six Nations campaign.
The 30-year-old prop has had a standout career, known for both his talent on the field and his no-nonsense attitude off it.
From calling England’s critics “sausages” on live TV to playful social media exchanges with former captain Will Carling, Genge never shies away from speaking his mind.
But, this weekend, the stakes are particularly high for him, as England faces Scotland after a tough four-year losing streak to Gregor Townsend’s men.
Growing Up Away From Rugby and Finding His Path
Despite growing up in a football-loving family, Genge’s journey to rugby was not a typical one.
Raised in the state school system in Bristol, with a father who was passionate about football, rugby wasn’t a sport that immediately resonated with him or his friends.
“My dad used to take me to Bristol Rovers, and at the time, Bristol Rugby also played at the Rovers stadium,” Genge recalls.
While rugby was never a major part of his upbringing, it was always in the background, and over time, it became his true calling.
Even when Genge made his way into England’s national team, some of his childhood mates didn’t even know it was his full-time job.
Looking back, Genge admits that without rugby, his life could have easily taken a darker turn.
“I’d probably be in the nick if it wasn’t for rugby,” he says, reflecting on his troubled youth in the Bristol area.
Thankfully, rugby became his redemption, and today, he stands as a key figure in England’s forward pack.
Giving Back to His Roots
Though Genge’s life has changed dramatically since his younger days, he remains deeply connected to his roots in Bristol.
Recently, his Genge Fund raised £22,000 for youth charities in the city, helping provide opportunities for young people who might otherwise never get the chance.
This initiative speaks to Genge’s commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.
As a mentor and leader, he is the perfect vice-captain, offering guidance to those coming up through the ranks of rugby and life.
The Build-Up to the Scotland Match: A Chance for Redemption
This Saturday’s Six Nations match against Scotland is particularly significant for Genge and his team.
England is hungry to turn the tide after a four-year losing streak to the Scots.
For Genge, there’s personal motivation as well.
He scored the winning try the last time England defeated Scotland in 2020, helping England claim the prestigious Calcutta Cup.
“I’ve dined out on that moment for many years,” he laughs.
But despite the competitive history, Genge isn’t here to trash-talk.
“Look, you (Scotland) have done a job on us the last few years, but we do like to win every game, so I’m not going to sit here and say it wouldn’t be brilliant to get it back,” he says, acknowledging the fierce rivalry with respect.
He’s also been impressed by Scotland’s recent performances, calling them a “brave lot” and recognizing their passion.
“I love playing against them – it’s always a great battle,” he adds, showing his respect for their competitive spirit.
An Unexpected Scottish Connection
While Genge is fully committed to representing England, there’s an unexpected family connection to Scotland.
“I’ve actually got a bit of Scottish in my family,” he reveals, explaining that his great-grandfather was Scottish, though he passed away before Genge was born.
“I couldn’t have played for Scotland with current selection criteria,” he jokes, highlighting how close his family tie is to the country.
It’s a fascinating tidbit that adds another layer of depth to Genge’s already colorful story.
England’s Narrow Win Over France Sets the Stage for the Scotland Game
Fresh off a dramatic 26-25 win over France, England enters the Scotland match as favorites.
Genge was part of the team’s strong performance, which signaled a significant improvement from their earlier struggles in the Autumn Tests.
The victory over France showcased England’s ability to stay focused and see out tight matches, a key skill that had been lacking in their recent defeats to top-tier teams like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
With four tries on the board and a nail-biting finish, including Elliot Daly’s late match-winner, England’s confidence is high heading into the Scottish clash.
Genge’s Role as a Mentor and Leader
Now one of the elder statesmen of the England team, Genge embraces his role as a mentor.
“I’ve been described as the father figure,” he says, noting that he’s the one players turn to when they need advice or just someone to talk to.
Genge acknowledges the mental and emotional challenges of professional rugby, and he’s committed to supporting his younger teammates through the highs and lows of the sport.
“Boys need it sometimes,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in such a high-pressure environment.
Acknowledging the Importance of Good Coaching and Teamwork
Genge credits former coach Richard Cockerill for much of his development as a player, calling him a “brilliant man” and a key influence on his career.
Cockerill, now working with the Georgian national team, helped Genge refine his game during their time together at Leicester.
“He was a really good coach and man-manager,” Genge recalls fondly, remembering how his time at Leicester shaped him into the player he is today.
Though he initially arrived at Leicester for the opportunity to learn from the best, Genge’s impact was immediate, and he went on to lead the club to the Premiership title in 2022.
It was a career-defining moment that Genge describes as the most “satisfying” of his career, cementing his status as a leader both on and off the field.
The Premiership Victory: A Legacy Moment
Winning the Premiership with Leicester was a significant achievement for Genge, and it’s a memory he holds dear.
“It was a bit of a rags to riches story, really,” he explains, reflecting on the team’s journey.
The victory was a testament to their hard work and determination, and for Genge, it reinforced his belief in the power of good karma.
“Put the work in, stay quiet, go about our business, and get a trophy at the end of it,” he says, proud of the journey his team took to reach the top.
Even now, the legacy of that win lives on in Genge’s family life.
His daughter enjoys wearing his Premiership medal as a “necklace,” a sweet reminder of his hard-earned success and the rewards that come from dedication and perseverance.
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