Ellis Genge set to remain a key part of Steve Borthwick’s England set-up after signing a new long-term contract with hometown club Bristol Bears

Ellis Genge is set to buck the trend of England internationals seeing out their final years in France after he signed a new long-term contract with his home club Bristol.

Prop Genge has 62 Test caps to his name. He has skippered his country on two occasions and has been a long-serving vice-captain to the national side.

The 29-year-old has seen his fellow internationals Owen Farrell and Kyle Sinckler, among others, opt for lucrative moves to the French top division instead of staying at home.

Such moves have meant Farrell and Co are now unable to play Test rugby, but Genge has signed on again with Bristol to stay a key part of the England set-up.

‘This club and city mean so much to me, so I’m proud to be committing my long-term future here,’ said Genge. ‘I’ve said before I’m as passionate about playing for Bristol as I am about playing for England, so it was an easy decision to stay.

Bears director of rugby Pat Lam lauded Genge’s career and spoke of his excitement of what’s to come

‘I’ve loved being back down here, close to my family in a city I’ve always called home, and I’m really excited about what this group of players can achieve over the next few years.’

Genge’s decision to stay at home is a huge boost for club and country. Under English rugby’s new professional game partnership, his status as a leading international means Genge’s game time will be monitored by the country’s head coach Steve Borthwick. Genge is a certain England starter when available.

Genge won the Gallagher Premiership title with Leicester in 2022 before returning to his home city of Bristol with family reasons in mind.

While there is a chance he could still move abroad, Genge’s new Bristol deal is set to keep him at Ashton Gate for at least the next three years.

It means that barring injury, he will remain a key figure for England through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The 29-year-old has 62 Test caps to his name and has skippered his country on two occasions

Barring injury, Genge will remain a key part of Steve Borthwick’s England side through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said: ‘Ellis has already achieved a lot of great things in his career, but what excites me most about Ellis committing long term to the Bears is his hunger and desire to be even better in every part of his game on and off the field.‘

He is a passionate and proud Bristolian, which comes through massively in his leadership skills as he drives others to be at their best for the team and our community.

‘We are all really pleased Ellis is staying. He is a massive part of our team. I look forward to seeing the big things he is going to achieve for both club and country moving forward.’