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'It's created a new dynamic': The recent growth England have identified in Ellis Genge
By Liam Heagney
England assistant Matt Proudfoot has pinpointed how a leadership role is developing an encouraging new side to Ellis Genge, the 26-year-old who is ranked as the most senior player in Eddie Jones' summer series squad due to his haul of 28 caps.
Genge has this week been at the forefront of the 34-strong England squad at a five-day camp in London ahead of the three-game schedule that kicks off with a June 27 A team match against Scotland A and is followed by July Test games at Twickenham versus the USA and Canada.
The 26-year-old prop has enjoyed a late-season flourish in the Leicester front row, his efforts energised by not getting selected on the Lions tour to South Africa. This impact hasn't gone unnoticed, with Proudfoot explaining how Genge is now positively wielding his influence on an England training squad containing currently 22 uncapped players.
“It has created a new dynamic for him," said Proudfoot. "To see the way he speaks and the lessons he has learned and how he is passing them on, I have often said that is part of the growth of a player.
“I have been really impressed throughout the season with the way he has led by example, his communication with the referees, how he has tried to solve problems, particularly in the moment at scrum time. These are the things I pay special attention to. Now he is getting the opportunity to do it with a lot of younger guys and the way he is doing it is really good to see.
"We are using him in a leadership capacity now. We don’t just want young players to grow, we want every player to grow and be the best they can be. Every player if you give them the opportunity to perform and create an environment where they feel comfortable growing then I don't see why not."
Having lost Jack Singleton earlier this week, the hooker getting replaced by Gabriel Oghre, England confirmed on Wednesday that Newcastle lock Sean Robinson has suffered an MCL injury which resulted in a call-up for Bath's Josh McNally taking his place.
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Latest Comments
He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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