England international Ellis Genge has signed a new contract with Leicester Tigers.
One of the world’s best loose-head props, Genge first joined Tigers on loan from hometown club Bristol in the final months of the 2015/16 season, before making the move permanent, and collected his first international cap against Wales in May, 2016.
"We’re aware it’s not the Tigers of old … it’s a new generation, the next generation"
Ellis Genge
A fan-favourite for his no-nonsense, hard-nosed approach to the game, Genge’s contract negotiations was the topic of much speculation throughout 2019 and now, with his future confirmed in the East Midlands, the ‘Baby Rhino’ admits Tigers is the club for him.
“Leicester is the club for me going forward and I am genuinely over the moon to be re-signing,” he said.
“The only way is up … it will be positive, I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t believe that.”
A senior figure in the Tigers squad at just 24 years of age, Genge has 12 Test appearances for England and was a member of the squad that finished runners up at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and says his mind is now focused on being part of the “next generation” of Leicester players to create their “own legacy” in the shirt.
“We’re aware it’s not the Tigers of old … it’s a new generation, the next generation,” said Genge.
“We need to make our own legacy.
“I can see where this club is going, I know where it’s going to end up and that’s all that matters to me.”
Speaking about the re-signing of Genge, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy says the news is “incredible” to have one of the world’s best recommit their future to Leicester.
He is one of the best players in his position in the world and it’s incredible for us to have him want to remain at Tigers and be a part of what we’re building in Leicester,” said Murphy.
Murphy also pointed towards the “scary” fact that Genge still has plenty of improvement left in him at such a young age.
“Ellis is still a very young man and it is scary how much more he can grow and improve … it’s hugely exciting,” added Murphy.
“He has all the potential in the world and we’re beginning to see that, because of the hard work he has put in.
“He’s worked hard with Boris Stankovich and Brett Deacon and you can see the improvement he has made because of that.”
A well-known character amongst his team-mates, Genge’s unique qualities also appealed to Murphy in wanting to keep the England front-rower in Leicester.
“It’s really nice to have different characters in the squad, which every squad needs,” he said.
“One thing Ellis is, is extremely passionate about the club and his team-mates and we’re lucky to have that.”
