Genge commends teammate Youngs on record breaking appearance

If Ben Youngs gets on the pitch on Saturday, he is set to become the all-time England appearance holder and fellow Leicester Tigers international Ellis Genge is full of praise for the 32-year-old.

Youngs is set to surpass Jason Leonard’s record of 114 caps in Saturday’s must-win Six Nations encounter with Wales.

Ahead of the landmark Genge complimented the 32-year-old on his work on and off the pitch.

He said: “He probably doesn’t give it away in the press but he’s a larger-than-life character, he’s full of energy driving standards. For someone that’s done it 114 times for England and 200+ times for Leicester, he’s just so much fun to be around. He turns up with a smile on his face regardless of what he’s doing, puts his arm around you and is always pushing you to do your best.

“I’ve got so much respect for him, the stuff that he sacrificed to achieve what he has in rugby but also the stuff he gave up which most people would take an arm off for: staying at home during those Lions tours and supporting his family. He’s just a legend, I love him to bits. 

“But I don’t think anyone thinks he’s done here after this weekend, given the way he’s playing at the moment.”

Youngs has scored 20 tries in 114 England appearances, winning a Grand Slam in 2016 and further Six Nations titles in 2017 and 2020, while appearing at three consecutive World Cups.

England host Wales on Saturday (4:45 PM KO) and Genge is relishing the passionate nature of the game.

He said: “I’m always excited to play for England. I’m really enjoying myself in camp at the moment and there’d be something wrong with me if I wasn’t excited for Saturday’s match.”

Genge was made club captain at the start of the season and is a key figure in Eddie Jones’ leadership group.

He added: “I’ve found the leadership responsibility different, I’ve been quite fortunate to be in an environment with some of the most senior and experienced players in the sport. You haven’t got to do much, you just have to add your own spice on it, mix it all together and you usually come out with a good dish.”

Written by Ben Jaycock