Sebastian Negri thanks Ellis Genge for on field intervention

Italy flanker Sebastian Negri has thanked Ellis Genge for coming to his aid in Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations defeat by England at the Stadio Olimpico.

Negri had only been on the pitch for 16 minutes of the second half when he was knocked unconscious during a collision and, after lengthy medical attention, he was driven from the pitch on a motorised cart.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, it was Genge who first alerted the officials to Negri’s condition.

“Thank you so much @EllisGenge appreciate all you did. You are a top man. All good this side and feeling a lot better wishing you and all the @EnglandRugby lads all the best for the rest of the @SixNationsRugby. Catch up with you soon, Safe travels back home today,” Negri tweeted.

George showed his carrying power as he helped himself to two tries in Rome but while his second was a bulldozing finish, the score truly belonged to Ellis Genge who floated a long missed pass to his front-row colleague.

It was a highlights reel moment that would have delighted a fly-half and George insists modern props are no longer confined to the less glamorous elements of the game.

“Ellis is gutted because on England’s Instagram account they’ve posted a picture and it’s an appreciation for me and he’s not getting any of the credit. He deserves it and he’s rattled, he really is!” George said.

“It was an unbelievable bit of skill and not many looseheads in world rugby would be able to do that. It’s great to be able to finish it off.

“It’s an evolution in the game. Everyone’s getting bigger, faster, stronger. But at the same time they’re developing skills like that.

“We’re really lucky to have all our front row forwards who are very comfortable with the ball in hand. To be able to show that on the biggest stage is great.”