Ellis Genge was praised for a moment of ‘total sportsmanship’ during England’s 33-0 bonus-point win against Italy in Rome last year.
The incident occurred some time into the second half with Italian forward Sebastian Negri being knocked out cold after a collision with England lock Nick Isiekwe.
Negri was immediately rendered unconscious with Genge immediately calling for medical assistance.
“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 on to 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.
“It’s horrible when that happens. I don’t know Seb very well personally, but a lot of my friends played at Hartpury College with him and apparently he’s a lovely bloke.
“He’d just come on and he’s a big player for them and for that to happen wasn’t nice to see. I hope he’s well. I really do. I really don’t like seeing people being hurt like that.
“When you are on the pitch you think rugby is the be-all and end-all, but you are definitely brought back down to earth quickly and realise reality when something like that happens.”
The then Leicester prop tweeted an update on the Italians condition to which Negri responded with his sincere thanks: “Thank you so much Ellis Genge.’
“I appreciate all you did. You are a top man. All good this side and feeling a lot better. Wishing you and all the England lads all the best for the rest of the Six Nations,”
Yesterday, following England’s win at Twickenham, Negri got to thank Genge in person.
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Three England changes Steve Borthwick ‘should’ make for Wales clash
With still work to do for the New England boss, we look at three changes he could make to face Wales in a fortnight’s time.
Borthwick’s men travel to Cardiff in their next game on 25 February, after next weekend’s break, as the Azzurri host world number one side Ireland earlier on the same day.
POSSIBLE ENGLAND CHANGES:
#1. Marcus Smith for Owen Farrell
RUCK 6/10: “There was a lot of kicking from the England 10 and not much of it was good; either from hand or the tee. However, his overall performance improved significantly when he played in his preferred position.”
Andy Goode wrote on Twitter: “Steve Borthwick talks relentlessly about excitement and exciting the crowd, there’s zero excitement at Twickers Borthers, get Marcus Smith on please.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Relished being in the driving seat as he backed his team-mates regularly early on, going to the corner which paid off in tries. Perhaps over-kicked in the red zone as the jury remains out on who should start at fly-half.”
Mail Online 6/10: “Looked comfortable at No 10 but kicking stunted attacks in the second half. Goal kicking must improve.”