**: ‘;
Players Can’t ’**
As England prepares for their clash against the
All Blacks this Saturday, prop opens up about the challenges facing rugby and shares his commitment to community initiatives.
Genge is known for his candidness, and ahead of a crucial autumn for the sport, he doesn’t hold back when discussing the financial state of professional rugby clubs beneath the national team. “I think it’s shit or bust, to be honest,” he states plainly. “It’s either going to go one way or another… something’s got to give.”
His strong opinions come in light of the increasing pressures on players, particularly after he suffered an unexpected calf injury that kept him from participating in England’s summer tour to Japan and
New Zealand. “I’ve never had a calf issue in my life. It happened 28 minutes into the last game of the season in May, during a scrum. That shouldn’t happen,” he reflects.
Genge attributes the rising injury rates to the relentless demands placed on top players, who are expected to perform for both club and country with little time for recovery. “Boys getting run into the ground is no good,” he asserts. “Is there a silver bullet that’s going to sort it all out? Probably not. I’ve always said we’re in a guinea pig era.”
As the sport navigates these turbulent waters, Genge’s insights highlight the urgent need for change to protect players and ensure the future of rugby.
Question 1: What is Ellis Genge's opinion on the financial stability of professional rugby clubs?
Ellis Genge describes the financial stability of professional rugby clubs as "shit or bust," indicating that he believes the situation is critical and something must change.
Question 2: How does Genge feel about the physical demands placed on players in rugby?
Genge expresses concern about the physical toll on players, stating, "Boys getting run into the ground is no good," and emphasizes that the current demands are unsustainable.
Question 3: What injury did Genge suffer, and how does he view its occurrence?
Genge suffered a calf injury that caused him to miss England's summer tour. He finds it unacceptable that such an injury occurred during a scrum in the last game of the season, stating, "That shouldn’t happen."
Question 4: What does Genge mean by referring to the current era of rugby as a "guinea pig era"?
By calling it a "guinea pig era," Genge suggests that the sport is in a phase of experimentation and uncertainty, where the long-term effects of current practices and player management are still unknown.