England Ellis Genge recalls being racially abused by South Africa fans
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England prop Ellis Genge has shed light on a disturbing experience he faced during the 2018 tour of South Africa, where both he and then-head coach Eddie Jones were victims of racist abuse.
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Although Genge didn't feature in the matchday squads during the three-Test series, the memories of what happened off the pitch remain vivid.
"It's Still Very Rife" – Genge Speaks Out
Reflecting on his upbringing in Bristol, Genge opened up about the harsh reality of facing racism: "I still get that [racist abuse] now," he shared. "You try and segregate yourself from all those people who are naive or ignorant enough to be racist… but you can't shield yourself from everyone's thoughts."
He detailed the 2018 incident: "We were walking through one of the tunnels, and they started hurling racist abuse at myself and a few of the other ethnic boys, and Eddie himself. It is still very rife, especially in sport. Look, you can't control that yourself… Like Raheem Sterling said, if you have got a platform, you can use it. It's something that needs to be stamped out."
Paul Hull's Influence and the Need for Black Coaches
Drawing inspiration from former Bristol coach Paul Hull, Genge echoed Raheem Sterling's views on increasing diversity in coaching roles. "Yeah, I'd like to see that," he said. "Rugby has been a white man's game for a number of years. There's not really many black coaches or ethnic coaches, especially here in England."
Genge further explained the need for change in how black and African players are represented: "We're not commercialised… to be icons. I can understand why the youth… don't want to be rugby players because it is not the way we are presented. We're sort of put on this posh pedestal and it's slowly breaking the mould."
BBC Blunder and Apology
In a separate incident, the BBC faced backlash after mistakenly using a photo of England teammate Lewis Ludlam in a story about Genge. Both players expressed their frustration on Twitter, prompting a swift apology from the BBC's online sports editor.
Wealthiest Rugby couples (Net Worth):
From high-profile partnerships to humble beginnings, these power pairs have amassed impressive fortunes while leaving a lasting legacy. With stories of childhood love, philanthropic missions, and royal connections, each couple brings their own unique flair to the game.
Here's a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.
Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)
From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby's wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans' hearts as much as Johnny's kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.
With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple's journey—from Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.
Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)
Siya and Rachel Kolisi's £10 million empire wasn't just built on rugby; it's infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.
Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya's life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa's "golden couple" lives on.
Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)
"Fridge" by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall's wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike's career has been nothing short of resilient.
Since retirement, he's taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo.
Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero's Quiet Empire (£22m)
Jonny Wilkinson isn't just a legend on the field; he's a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.
They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they're embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny's legacy as one of rugby's finest is matched by his financial success and family's privacy.
Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)
Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he's carved a unique sports career.
His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple's success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.
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