"He's a top man" - Italian star reveals how 'heroic' Ellis Genge saved his life
Rugby NewsWednesday, 15 June 2022 at 20:37
Ellis Genge has been labelled a hero following England’s clash against Italy – and rightly so.
Sebastian Negri was knocked unconscious in the 54th minute after a collision with opposing forward Nick Isiekwe.
While Isiekwe and other England players celebrated the dominant collision, the loosehead-prop was alert enough to hear a choking from his opponent and immediately leapt into action
He tweeted: “A big thank you for all the messages of support. Already feeling better and will be starting my recovery and HIA protocols in the next few days,” Negri tweeted.
“Looking forward to being back on the field soon. Ellis Genge, thank you for what you did, you’re a top man.”
He later revealed in Italy that: "Genge has a bit of a reputation for being a bit difficult but what world-class players weren't. I look forward to thanking him in person next time we play again"
Genge immediately called for medical attention as he rolled the big Italian into the recovery position with the Telegraph suggesting he helped save his life.
“I heard him choking so I gave him a slap to see if he reacted,” Genge said. “He just carried on choking so I didn’t know if he had swallowed his tongue – that’s why I tried to roll him onto his side.
“I’m not a master in medicine but I’m pretty sure you are supposed to put them in the recovery position so I tried to do that. I was quickly ushered away by the medics so I let them just carry on.”
Five England stars who are business owners – including Ellis Genge
Everybody needs a backup plan, and these English rugby players have already put things in place for after their careers
Life as a professional rugby player is a fragile existence, in many ways.
It's a lucrative career that offer up many extraordinary experiences but you are always one injury away from it all being over.
As such, it is important for players to be preparing for life after the jersey.
Here are some of the business's England's top players have away from rugby...
#1. JACK NOWELL - CLOTHES & PUB
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. He is also a director of .
#2. ELLIS GENGE - GYM
The England prop is in the process of opening a gym in Leicester that commits to being eco-friendly and affordable.
#3. GEORGE KRUIS - FOURFIVECBD
It was from personal experiences with recovery from injuries that Kruis discovered cannabidiol (CBD) and from their positive reactions with the product he set up fourfivecbd – a range of balms, oils, gels and capsules that incorporates CBD. Their products are now sold in Next and on their website here.
#4. MANU TUILAGI - ALCOHOL
Making a Tuilagi Gin was often talked about in the early hours of the morning by the brothers after many gin and tonics. As there are fifteen players on the rugby pitch, they have added fifteen botanicals to their gin. Some of the botanicals they use in their recipe are; Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Sage, Thyme, Mac cloves, Lavender, Rose and Orange peel.
#5. JAMIE GEORGE - PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Carter & George practice clinic, which offers first-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, is the joint venture of George and experienced physiotherapist and best friend Rhys Carter.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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