Ellis Genge Was The Talk Of Television Last Night Following This Incredible Interview
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The baby rhino.
England and Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge is the talk of television after his incredible appearance on BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight. The man now aptly nicknamed ‘the baby rhino’ opened up about the lows he’s experienced his life, from being arrested to being diagnosed with dyspraxia (a condition affecting physical co-ordination that causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for his or her age, and appear to move clumsily.)
Genge says he struggled to deal with his now trademark aggression growing up – resulting in some unfortunate run ins with the law.
“Growing up I got in quite a lot of trouble. I got arrested quite a few times.” Genge said.
“That’s not something I’d encourage kids to do, but don’t ever sort of hide the fact that you’ve got that aggressive factor – you can use it on the pitch.”
A big reason for that aggression was probably the fact that his dyspraxia wasn’t diagnosed until very late.
“In school I struggled quite a lot. I didn’t find out I had dyspraxia until I was 14. They just thought I really didn’t want to do any writing.” Genge added
“My teacher used to get frustrated because I was writing two words per lesson and stuff.”
Dyspraxia also hugely affects your hand-eye coordination, and the fact that Genge has become an elite professional rugby player despite this – truly is remarkable. You can watch Genge’s incredible interview in full below. It’s a must see.
• His troubled teenage years
• Being arrested
• Living with dyspraxiaYou won't regret listening to @EllisGenge's story…#RugbyTonight pic.twitter.com/UfGD9jzTIa
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 6, 2018
And not stopping there. Genge has also been applauded for his wonderful honesty in eventually leaving Leicester Tigers. While the prop still has two years left to run on his contract, he has admitted he would be open to leave the Tigers, but not for the riches of France. Instead he’d love to return home to Bristol and play for Pat Lam’s Bears.
“It’s home. Everyone wants to go home.” Genge said.
“As good as the rugby is up in the midlands… Bristol is home for me, all my family are there I miss them a lot.
“As opposed to… tail end of my career, going to France or Japan – if I make it there, I’d like to go to Bristol yeah.”
Good news, @BristolBears fans 🐻@EllisGenge says he definitely wants to play for his hometown club again one day…#RugbyTonight pic.twitter.com/iGBO4sBKPl
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 5, 2018
Thanks for the support but I hope @LeicesterTigers fans understand I am a tiger and have been for 3 seasons and another 2 to come@at least. Love the club and what it stands for just because I miss my family doesn’t mean I won’t give my all for this place. https://t.co/f3ZDQWJMMx
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) September 5, 2018
And finally – the reaction to his honesty has been incredible.
Inspiring indeed.
Absolutely love @EllisGenge’s honesty on live television.
A true gent of our game with a story to tell!
🦏🦏🦏 #BabyRhino 🦏🦏🦏#RugbyUnited https://t.co/JVVf48d7xq
— LooseHeadz (@LooseHeadz) September 5, 2018
@EllisGenge what a cracking interview! Such an honest recollection. Your lows have sure ended up being a bonus to every @LeicesterTigers fan! You are truly a fan favourite and never fail to give your all! 👍🏻 https://t.co/ppLX42u5U7
— richie (@richie11701) September 5, 2018
Great to see @EllisGenge talking openly about Dyspraxia
An inspiration to children, and their families, out there with the same diagnosis…you can achieve, you can be at the top of your game – practice, determination, drive
(and a sense of humour helps) https://t.co/hRv6QV7nqo— Holly Friesner (@FriesnerPhysio) September 5, 2018
Well done Ellis you were tonight like you always were what you see is what you get. You were a role model tonight to kids out there who are going through a bad time but get involved in rugby and you have support.
— Pauline Adams (@padams012) September 5, 2018
Inspirational story, battled through his mistakes and misdemeanours, learned plenty of hard lessons, took ownership and made meaningful change whilst also benefiting from a great support network 👏🏼 https://t.co/c2F67Xf1oX
— Tom Gaymor (@TomGaymor) September 5, 2018
You just know this chap is going to rip it up in the prem for the next few years. A future Lion for sure. But most importantly, what an absolutely fantastic role model. If you ever feel like dropping into the primary school I work in, let me know @EllisGenge 🙄😉😏
— John (@john_boy1981) September 5, 2018
So honest and refreshing to listen to, many more with a similar back story who deserve support through the power of sport https://t.co/L58edjlhlr
— david rose (@rosedavidrose10) September 5, 2018
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