New captain lifted by support of his predecessor in job
GENGE FELT ‘OVERWHELMED’ WHEN THE ROLE WAS OFFERED
PLAYERS who captained him as a developing young player have been among those wishing Ellis Genge every success in his own leadership role.
The England international will lead his side out against Exeter Chiefs in round one of the Gallagher Premiership this afternoon after being chosen to succeed Tom Youngs, who had skippered Tigers since 2015.
Genge revealed he was “shocked and overwhelmed” to be offered the captaincy by head coach Steve Borthwick.
But the powerful loosehead prop has felt buoyed by the support of numerous well-wishers – including his predecessor in the role.
“Tom Youngs has been very helpful, being a team-mate of mine and such a great captain for us over the last few years,” said Genge.
“Ex-team-mates from other teams have been in touch. When I was at Bristol, Jack Lam, was the captain there. He got in contact.
“Kev Sinfield has been helpful. Obviously, he’s had a successful career captaining Leeds in a different code, but captaining nonetheless.”
Genge, who becomes the 63rd club captain in Tigers’ 141-year history, first learned of his new duties before a ball had been kicked in Leicester’s three-game pre-season campaign, which saw them tackle Jersey Reds, Dragons and Scarlets.
“Steve asked me a week-anda-half before we went away to
Jersey,” said Genge. “We just went for a walk around the pitch, he asked me if I wanted to do it. I said yeah, I’d love to. I didn’t really have to think about it.
“Then, after a bit more reflection, when I got home and started to think about what have I signed up for? I was excited, I was overwhelmed, quite shocked, to be honest.
“Then he announced it in Jersey in one of the team meetings on a Sunday evening.”
Genge’s first task as Leicester
Tigers captain is among the sternest the division has to offer as Exeter Chiefs, who have appeared in the last six Premiership finals, visit Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Tigers won only once in eight games against sides who finished in the top four last season, something they will have to improve upon to push their way back into the play-off reckoning.
“With all due respect, we put Bristol to the last second of the game, we beat Quins, we beat Wasps last game of the season at their gaff,” said Genge.
Seven of Leicester’s 10 onfield defeats last season, factoring out Covid-19-enforced cancellations, came at the hands of top-four teams with an average points deficit across those matches of 16.3.
Factor out the home-andaway Exeter defeats, that number falls to 11.2.
Tigers’ other on-field league defeats came against Northampton Saints (-5), Bath (-1) and London Irish (-13).