Ellis Genge Opens Up About Impostor Syndrome in England Rugby Journey

Ellis Genge has shared his struggles with impostor syndrome, expressing doubts about his place in the England rugby team despite being a key leader. The 28-year-old prop known for his unconventional path to the national team admitted feeling the need to constantly prove himself, even almost eight years after his international debut. In the Six Nations: Full Contact documentary, Genge revealed his lifelong struggle with feeling like an outsider. He emphasized that losing a game intensified these feelings of questioning his place.

The series, covering the 2023 Six Nations features Genge reflecting on his journey including his troubled youth in Bristol. Rugby played a crucial role in steering him away from potential negative paths and Genge acknowledges the sport for preventing him from following the wrong influences. Despite facing legal issues and rebellious behavior in his youth, Genge has risen to become a respected figure in English rugby.