Pete Ryan: Ellis Genge – The unsung hero of the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour

Big players step up on the biggest stages, giving their all when the pressure is at its highest. It doesn’t get much bigger than a Lions tour.

Four years of hard work culminated in a monumental tour, and as the curtain fell on the 2025 season, many rose to the occasion. Few did so quite like Ellis Genge.

The Bristol Bear has long been highly praised and consistently stands out for England. But this summer, in the red of the Lions, he proved his legendary status.

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A Fantastic Career

With raw power and a fierce edge to his game, Genge doesn’t just play — he announces himself with every collision.

Genge’s school days were spent at John Cabot Academy and then Hartpury College. He began his rugby journey in the back row before making the switch to loosehead prop.

Hartpury has a formidable reputation for producing elite rugby talent, and Genge added to that legacy by captaining the college to two AASE Championships.

He made his debut for the Bristol Bears at the end of 2013, though his first stint at the club was relatively brief. In 2016, Genge joined Leicester Tigers on loan before making the move permanent. From dependable starter to fearless leader, he made 11 appearances and scored 70 points, eventually lifting the Premiership trophy as captain in 2022.

After his successful spell at Leicester, he returned to Ashton Gate for a second stint with the Bears. Genge’s fire burns on both fronts — for club and country, he continues to rise to every challenge.

International Career

Genge was thrown in at the deep end with a debut against Wales on the international stage. His breakthrough came with a try against Italy during the warm-ups for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. From there, he earned two appearances in the pool stages of the tournament.

Seven years after his debut, Genge had become a mainstay in the England squad, contributing to a vital win over Scotland.

He played a key role in the 2022 tour of Australia, where England secured a 2–1 series victory. The world took notice that same year when Genge was named in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year — a powerful and commanding presence at loosehead prop, he had truly arrived.

This summer, the Englishman confirmed his status as one of the greats of the modern game.

The Lions Tour

In May, Genge’s nerves turned to elation when his name was announced for the Lions tour of Australia.

He brought his trademark brute strength and fire to the southern hemisphere, where every carry was delivered with intent.

In Australia, Genge didn’t just arrive — he erupted. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he always made his presence felt.

Selected to start the first Test in Brisbane, he delivered a standout performance in what was the most convincing win of the tour.

Throughout the series, Genge proved he could shine even amongst a squad full of world-class talents. He will now look to carry that form and experience into the upcoming season, helping both Bristol and England reach new heights.

In the chaos of the scrum or the space of open play, Genge is never just a passenger. With ball in hand, he’s box office: raw, relentless, and utterly unmissable.

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