Ellis Genge is an England prop known for his ball-carrying dynamism, who captained England and toured with a series-winning British & Irish Lions squad in 2025.
Ellis Genge was born on 16 February 1995 in Bristol, England, and grew up on the Knowle West council estate, being educated at John Cabot Academy despite a diagnosis of dyspraxia. He discovered rugby at 13 through local club Old Redcliffians, before progressing to Hartpury College, where he captained the AASE team to a national league title. Genge signed his first professional contract with hometown club Bristol at 18, originally as a back-row forward before being converted to prop, and moved to Leicester Tigers in 2016, where he spent six seasons developing into one of the most powerful and abrasive scrummagers in English rugby. He captained Leicester to the 2022 Premiership title before returning to Bristol Bears that same year. Genge made his England debut in 2016 during the country's Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign, and has gone on to earn over 70 caps, later being appointed England captain by head coach Steve Borthwick. He was selected for the British & Irish Lions in 2025, playing in all three Tests of the tour to Australia. Known for his combative style, blunt honesty in interviews, and social media popularity, Genge has also spoken openly about the psychological toll of international rugby and impostor syndrome, and launched the Genge Fund charitable foundation to support young people from backgrounds similar to his own upbringing in Bristol.
England prop and captain, 2025 Lions series winner
How They Played
Genge is renowned for his explosive power in the scrum and exceptional mobility around the pitch for a prop forward. His ball-handling skills and ability to offload in contact make him a dynamic attacking threat, while his aggressive carrying style often breaks defensive lines.
Lasting Impact
Genge helped modernize the prop position by demonstrating how front-row forwards can contribute significantly to attacking play beyond traditional set-piece duties.
Career Honours
- 2025 Lions series winner
- England captain
- 2019 Rugby World Cup runner-up
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester Tigers | 2019–2024 | — | 0 | #1 |
| Bristol Bears | 2016–2019 | 162 | — | #1 |
 England | — | 49 | 2 | — |