Rugby / Bristol Bears
Ellis Genge to return home to Bristol
Ellis Genge says that he has “unfinished business” in Bristol as he prepares to make a remarkable return to his boyhood rugby club.
The England international, who grew up in Knowle West and even has Knowle West tattooed on his toes, will join Bristol Bears ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Genge made 28 appearances for Bristol before departing for Leicester Tigers in 2016, where is currently club captain of the table-topping side.
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Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said that Genge “is a world class player who has grown to be a leader on and off the field for club and country. He obviously will add real value to us as a team and the whole Bristol Bears community.”
Lam added: “The thing that impressed me most about Ellis was his genuine love for Bristol and our people. Even while at Tigers, he remained invested in the community here running rugby coaching camps for underprivileged young people from all backgrounds.
“The fact that Ellis has taken a significant pay cut to come back home emphasises his commitment to his family and wanting to inspire our Bristol community, which is central to our Bears vision.”
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Genge said: “I’m so proud of my roots in Bristol and what the city means to me and my family.
“I have close relationships at the Bears and I’ve got unfinished business here. So it’s important for me to be able to come back and represent Bristol and play my role in the community.
“I want to pay tribute to Leicester Tigers and everybody who made my time there so special.
“It’s an unbelievable club and I have grown as a player and a person. I cannot express how grateful I am to all my teammates, coaches and fans at Welford Road.”
Main photo: Bristol Bears / Twitter
Read more: Ellis Genge on growing up in Knowle West and how rugby saved him from prison
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