England professional rugby union player Ellis Genge is quickly becoming a young role model beyond the boundaries of the sport. The Bristolian was heralded as a ‘Robin Hood’ by fellow players and fans alike following his remarkable performance against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2020 when he scored the try that secured victory for England in the Calcutta Cup. Genge has not only become an inspiration for aspiring players from working-class areas, but he has also opening spoken about living with developmental co-ordination disorder dyspraxia. Famous for his powerful ball-carrying skills, work-rate and gain line success, Genge has shown that rugby players can come from any background and England head coach Eddie Jones fondly calls the loosehead prop one of his “rough diamonds”.
Genge grew up in Bristol’s tough Knowle West area, and began his playing career at Old Redcliffians when he was 12 years old. At Hartpury College he captained the rugby team to AASE league success, and went on to represent England at youth level from Under 17 to Under 20. He joined Bristol as an 18 year old in 2013 and made 26 appearances for the club before signing for Leicester Tigers three years later. Following the COVID pandemic Genge wanted to be closer to his family and returned to Bristol. He enjoyed a standout season in 2022 touring Australia with England and being named best loosehead prop in World Rugby’s team of the year.
