The Power of Blunt Truths: How Ellis Genge's Dad Inspired His Best Rugby Form
In a sport where criticism can be as fierce as the tackles, Ellis Genge, the seasoned Bristol prop, shares an intriguing insight into his journey. He reveals how the blunt home truths from his dad have been instrumental in pulling him out of slumps and igniting his career.
But here's where it gets controversial... even Genge's own father joined the chorus of critics, echoing the online abuse. It's a bold move that might raise eyebrows, but Genge credits this tough love with fueling his fire.
"People telling me I'm s--- online? That's my motivation!" Genge tells us. "My dad called me out, saying I wasn't at my best. It stung, but it also lit a fire under me."
And this is the part most people miss: Genge's vulnerability. He admits to feeling exposed when he engaged with the online comments, a rare moment of weakness for a player known for his resilience on the field.
"I got tagged in those posts, and I couldn't ignore them. I saw the comments, and they hit hard. But they also pushed me to prove them wrong."
The results speak for themselves. Genge's response to the criticism was a series of outstanding performances with the Bristol Bears, earning him the Gallagher player of the month award for December. He's now in top form heading into the Six Nations, and it's clear that the spark came from within.
But Genge's dad isn't one for easy praise. Despite his son's sensational 50-metre try, a moment that should have been celebrated, there was no pat on the back. "He's a pessimist, always identifying the worst, but that's what brings the best out of me," Genge explains. "It's a complex relationship, but it's been a constant in my life."
Genge's journey is a testament to the power of constructive criticism. He admits that the period after his England debut was challenging, but again, it was those home truths that snapped him out of his funk.
"It's easy to feel sorry for yourself and get away with underperforming. But I had people around me who told me to shape up and reminded me that no one cares."
As a senior leader in Steve Borthwick's England team, Genge reflects on the generational differences he's witnessing. He sees a shift in attitude among the younger players, who are more vocal and confident.
"There's a huge difference now. Feedback is handled differently. When I was coming up, it was 'be seen, not heard'. You had to earn your stripes before your opinions were valued."
Genge experienced this firsthand when a young prop, Afolabi Fasogbon, waved him off after a scrum battle. Genge took it in stride, but he knows that such an action would have been met with a different response in his early days.
"You'd have been put in your place for that back then. But times have changed, and these theatrics add to the game. As long as you back it up with performance, it's all good."
So, is Genge's dad's approach the secret to success? Or is it a controversial method that might not work for everyone? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
