England Six Nations star is huge Bristol Rovers fan and uses Gashead woes as rugby motivation

Ellis Genge is set to feature for England in the Six Nations against France this weekend but might well be keeping one eye on Bristol Rovers’ progress.
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Bristol Rovers travel to Forest Green this weekend and one fan who won't be making the short trip is England Six Nations star Ellis Genge.

That's not for lack of desire on Genge's part, who is a huge Rovers fan. Rather, he's busy on international duty at Twickenham Stadium as England take on France in the latest weekend of Six Nations action.

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The Bristol prop has hugely impressed so far in the competition, making the most carries out of any front rower in the 2023 Six Nations.

Nicknamed Baby Rhino, Genge was also named in World Rugby's Team of the Year in 2022 and is widely regarded as a world best in his position.

Born in Bristol, the 28-year-old has spent the majority of his career at Leicester Tigers but returned to his boyhood club Bristol Bears last summer.

When speaking about Calcutta Cup woes for England earlier this year, Genge related the struggles to that of Bristol Rovers in an admission that he's always loved the club.

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He said: "As a fan of Bristol Rovers for so many years I can understand what it’s like when your team isn’t winning straight away, so I can understand the fans frustration.”

Genge grew up in Knowle West and had admitted that he has been to over 100 Gas matches with his dad.

Ellis Genge has impressed in the Six Nations for England so far (Image: Getty Images)Ellis Genge has impressed in the Six Nations for England so far (Image: Getty Images)
Ellis Genge has impressed in the Six Nations for England so far (Image: Getty Images)

Earlier this year, the rugby star shared his support for a Bristol Rovers shaved head campaign in support of player Nick Anderton who is battling bone cancer. The sportsman’s willingness to support local Bristol sport also led to him being appointed International Ambassador by Bristol City Council to further the area’s sporting reputation.

Genge's love for football has led to debate too. When Southampton beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on February 18, the England international used the moment to spark a conversation about the Premiership salary cap.

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He took to Twitter and wrote: "Seeing bottom of table Southampton beating Chelsea at their place even though they’ve spent mental money shows for me sporting leagues can still have competition without a constricted spending cap for every team."

The message caused heated debate online but Genge was quick to reiterate the he "hadn't implied I want a no salary cap league".

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