Ellis Genge's journey to rugby stardom is an inspiring tale of resilience and self-belief. His story begins with a challenging phase in his career, marked by a lull in performance and social media criticism. But it was his father's blunt and honest feedback that ignited a fire within him. Genge, a Bristol prop, found himself in a slump after returning from the autumn internationals, where he was on the bench for England's matches against New Zealand and Australia. The online abuse and his father's direct criticism became the catalyst for his remarkable transformation. Genge's performances with Bristol Bears in Prem Rugby skyrocketed, earning him the Gallagher player of the month award for December. This period saw him win three successive man-of-the-match awards, with a standout performance against Harlequins at Twickenham, where he scored a 50-meter try. Despite his father's stoic nature, Genge's success is a testament to the power of constructive criticism and self-reflection. The article also delves into the generational differences in rugby, highlighting the shift from a culture of 'be seen, not heard' to a more assertive and vocal approach among younger players. Genge's journey from a fresh-faced youngster to a seasoned veteran showcases the importance of embracing feedback and adapting to the evolving landscape of professional rugby.
