“I f***** hate social media” – England prop Ellis Genge hits out at Ireland situation
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Poison.
England prop Ellis Genge has thrown his weight behind Andy Farrell after the Ireland boss defended young out-halves Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley from online criticism.
Farrell recently called out the damaging narrative surrounding the two players, hitting back at the wave of commentary that has followed their performances in the Six Nations.
Now Genge has gone a step further — and he didn’t hold back.
“I f***** hate social media, to be honest, it’s awful,” he said.
“It just poisons people’s minds and makes them feel invincible.”
The England front-rower admitted the landscape has changed beyond recognition for modern players.
“I wish we could go back in time, where, unless you had someone’s number, you couldn’t speak to them, unless you’re on the front of the tabloids.
“But that’s the world we live in, we’ve gotta deal with it, it’s the pressure of being a professional sportsperson.”
Farrell had pointed to the rise of “keyboard warriors” in his defence of Prendergast and Crowley — two young playmakers operating under intense scrutiny in Ireland.
Genge agreed.
“I think Farrell is right, there are a lot of keyboard warriors who wouldn’t say boo to a goose, I’ve met a few of them. It rings true. Never mind, it’s the world we’re in.”
While rivalries remain fierce on the pitch, the message off it was clear: criticism comes with the jersey, but abuse is another thing entirely.
And as the debate around Ireland’s No 10s continues to bubble, Genge’s blunt verdict may resonate far beyond England’s camp.
After both Ireland and England stars were targeted by online trolls, England vice-captain Ellis Genge spoke out on social media abuse. Ireland debutant Edwin Edogbo was the target of racist trolls.
"I f****** hate social media," he said. "It just poisons people's minds." pic.twitter.com/ZYXhgOmUk9— Irish Mirror Sport (@MirrorSportIE) February 17, 2026
