#4. Ellis Genge
- Position: Loosehead-prop
- England caps: 49
One of the most dynamic props in England, Bristol-born Ellis Genge made his debut for his country as a replacement in a 27-13 win over Wales at Twickenham Stadium in 2016.
Three days earlier, Ellis had agreed a move to Leicester Tigers, where he had been on loan from Bristol for the final months of the 2016/17 season. Ellis was included in the squad for England’s 2016 touring party to Australia and won the 2016/17 Land Rover Discovery of the Year award.
A former No 8, the ex-Old Redcliffians’ player, was educated at John Cabot City Technology College and led Hartpury College to two AASE Championship titles. Ellis represented England U17, U18 and U19 before featuring in eight matches for the U20 side in 2015, including the World Rugby Championship final against New Zealand.
Ellis was a regular member of England squads under Eddie Jones and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He was recently named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Greenwood wrote: “Ellis would have been close to the full-time captain, surely. Eddie Jones moved him to defacto full-back and Steve wants him on the ball as much as possible, leading and snarling.
“It is a big World Cup for him. Can he prove himself on the international stage? Domestically, he has bossed it.”