England's Bristol-born rugby star Ellis Genge confirmed he is a Gashead when relating the club's historic wait for success to that of the England national rugby side.
The 27-year-old prop returned to his hometown last year to sign for Bristol Bears following six years with the Leicester Tigers where he captained the side to the 2021-22 Premiership title.
Genge scored his sixth international try during England's opening tournament defeat against Scotland in Steve Borthwick's first game in charge. It heightened fan disappointment with a fifth Calcutta Cup loss in six years including the first time they have lost three times in a row against the auld enemy since 1972.
Referencing the frustration ahead of the victory over Italy on Sunday, Genge said he can relate to the supporters due to his time following Rovers as a child. He said to ITV: "As a fan of Bristol Rovers for so many years I can understand what it’s like when you’re team isn’t winning straight away, so I can understand the fan's frustration.”
It's not the first time he has likened being a Gashead to his side's poor run of form. During his time at Leicester, he said: "It’s like my dad says, when you’re winning everyone is happy and when you’re losing everyone’s unhappy. I understand people’s frustrations. I’m a Bristol Rovers fan, so I have been doing the same my whole life. I’m opinionated in what I have got to say."
Genge was born and raised in Knowle West and previously stated he has been to over 100 Rovers matches with his dad. He went to school at what is now the John Cabot Academy in Kingswood which is predominantly the blue half of the city.
His rugby career started with Brislington side Old Redcliffians before moving to Hartpury College in Gloucester as a 16-year-old. Two years later, he signed a deal with Bristol Bears. After leaving in 2016, he rejected more money to make a return in September and scored two tries to help defeat derby rivals Bath Rugby.
The Bears are owned by Bristol Sport and share a pitch with Bristol City at Ashton Gate. They used to play at The Mem up until 2014 before making the move across the city.
Genge, widely regarded as the best player in the world in his position, also started as England redeemed themselves on Sunday with a 31-14 victory over the Italians to hand Borthwick his first victory as head coach.
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