Ellis Genge: Bristol’s Homegrown Hero Eyes Silverware After Signing Long-Term Deal

Ellis Genge’s return to his roots has become much more than just a homecoming story. The 29-year-old England prop, who first emerged from Bristol Bears' academy, has committed his future to his boyhood club by signing a new long-term contract. This is not just a re-signing—it's a statement of intent from both Genge and Bristol, as they aim to build on the momentum of last season and chase Premiership glory.

Genge’s influence at Bristol since his return in 2022 has been significant. Having rejoined the Bears after a six-year stint with Leicester Tigers—where he captained the side to a Premiership title in his final season—Genge has injected leadership and grit into the Bristol pack. His arrival back home has brought a renewed sense of ambition to the club, one that now resonates deeply with the man himself.

“Hopefully it's not the end,” Genge told BBC Radio Bristol, reflecting on his new deal. “A long contract, so obviously I feel at home now. To be honest, I didn’t realise how important it was to me.”

For Genge, his decision to leave Leicester on the back of winning the 2022 Premiership title wasn’t taken lightly. “My family said, 'what are you doing?', but I knew it was the right decision,” he shared. The lure of returning to Bristol wasn’t just about geography or sentimentality—it was also about being part of a club with top-class facilities and a forward-thinking mentality.

“The training ground, compared to 90% of other clubs, is above and beyond,” Genge explained. “That obviously is a big pull, going somewhere at work every day which you think this is wild.”

More Than Just A Club

For Genge, the connection to Bristol is personal. Wearing the Bears shirt is as meaningful to him as representing England, an admission that speaks volumes about the prop's passion for his hometown team. “When I put a Bristol shirt on, it actually means something to me. I probably am on par with how passionate I am about playing for England as what I am for playing for Bristol.”

That passion was evident last season when Genge helped Bristol win six of their last seven matches, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs by just two points. The Bears were resurgent down the stretch, but Genge's determination to push the club to the next level remains undimmed.

“If you're not first, you're last. No-one remembers who finishes [in the] top four, they remember who wins,” Genge declared, setting the tone for the season ahead. His ambitions for Bristol are crystal clear: silverware. “Personally, I’d love to bring back a trophy to Bristol and, hopefully, inspire a few more people from my neck of the woods to take up rugby.”

Building Toward a Bright Future

Genge's renewed commitment comes at a time when Bristol are determined to cement their place among the elite in English rugby. The Bears have long been seen as a club with potential, and now, with Genge leading from the front, the team is aiming to transform potential into tangible success.

The prop’s leadership, both on and off the pitch, was evident in Bristol’s season opener on Friday, a 24-3 win over Newcastle Falcons. Genge, who played 54 minutes, set the tone early with his physicality and work rate, driving the team to a dominant victory that suggests they’re ready for the challenges ahead.

As Genge embarks on this new chapter with Bristol, his commitment to bringing glory to the club remains steadfast. His journey, from an academy product to an England international and now the cornerstone of his hometown club’s ambitions, serves as an inspiring tale for the next generation of rugby players in Bristol.

Ellis Genge's long-term commitment is about more than just contracts—it's about heart, ambition, and a deep connection to his roots. If anyone can lead Bristol Bears to the summit of English rugby, it’s their homegrown hero.