“Rugby has a class problem that it NEEDS to fix!” 🏉 Ellis Genge | Up Front

On today’s episode, we are joined by a top England Rugby International, who in recent times won the Premiership title with Leicester Tigers before returning to his roots with Bristol Bears. Ellis Genge faced early struggles in his life, growing up in the working class area of Knowle West in Bristol. An angry young man who faced problems in school and with the law, he found solace in an unlikely place - Rugby. A sport which helped him channel his anger and where he found belonging and structure.

Now the star of the ‘Full Contact’ Netflix documentary series and a well respected leader for club and country, Ellis has been capped for England 58 times, lifting the Six Nations trophy in 2020 after finishing as runner-up at the World Cup in 2019. He joins the show to talk about his unconventional journey in Rugby. His career under head coaches Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick whilst giving his unfiltered opinion on the issues the sport faces in 2024 and beyond.

Subscribe now for the full episode and head to    / @upfrontwithsimonjordan  .

Warning: This episode may contain strong language and references to violence. Listener discretion advised.

Remember, 18+ for gambling responsibly.

#upfront #simonjordan #rugby

00:00 Introduction to Ellis Genge
00:55 Podcast begins
01:45 Ellis’ background
09:10 Belief in himself
11:22 Dyspraxia
13:10 Being fuelled by anger
14:48 Bristol Bears
23:11 Leicester Tigers
29:48 Steve Borthwick
31:25 Rejoining Bristol
34:59 Does Rugby have a class problem?
41:37 Representation in Rugby
44:39 England & Eddie Jones
48:37 Rugby players relationship with coaches
55:58 How Ellis prepares for games
59:36 Owen Farrell & playing abroad
01:03:39 Will England win a World Cup?