Premiership: Leicester Tigers captain Ellis Genge prepares for the biggest game of his career

Dylan Coetzee

Leicester Tigers' Ellis Genge during the Heineken Champions Cup round of 16, second leg match at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Saturday April 16, 2022.

Leicester Tigers skipper Ellis Genge is preparing for the biggest game of his career as he prepares to run out for his side for the last time in the Premiership final against Saracens on Saturday.

Genge announced six months ago that he would join Bristol to be closer to family, leaving a legacy behind at Tigers after playing a key role in the club’s resurgence.

Looking for a send off

The England star is all in for the final as he looks to end his time with the club on a high, capping off an incredible contribution to the Premiership side.

“It has been a lot of hard work and a lot of good people putting a lot of time in away from the scenes, outside working hours, to get us where we are,” Genge said.

“I made a pact a long time ago that I would never leave Tigers if they were in a dark hole.

“I had all sorts of offers in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to go elsewhere when we were bottom of the pile, and I said I wanted to stick it out and see brighter days.

“So, I can hopefully leave on Saturday with my head held high.

“I want to be with my family. I just want to be accessible for my family. I am at peace with it (his move to Bristol).

“I’ve still got my stuff in the changing rooms. I haven’t packed up, I still live up here, and I’ve got the biggest game of my career on Saturday, and I will wait until after that for thinking about that stuff.”

The Tigers are back amongst England’s best sides, hunting for silverware at the highest level, and Genge’s leadership has been a critical cog in the club’s revival. But, again, changing the mindset in the club was key.

“It’s probably easier to lose than it is to win, especially when you are on a massive losing streak, no-one expects you to do anything,” Genge added.

“Part of it is changing the habit and starting to win, which we have obviously done this year.

“We haven’t been in this situation (as a club) for a long, long time, although we are quite fortunate that we’ve got a lot of people in the room that have been competing for trophies and in finals for the last few years.

“We’ve got a wealth of winners around us, so it is reassuring to have those boys there.”

READ MORE: Premiership: Saracens prop Mako Vunipola ready to face ‘two of the best’ in Leicester’s dynamic duo

 

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Premiership final preview - Leicester Tigers v Saracens

Planet Rugby previews the final of the Premiership between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at a sold out Twickenham.