Ellis Genge to leave Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers can confirm that Ellis Genge has indicated to the club that he will not be activating an option in his contract to remain beyond the current season.

The 26-year-old has made 96 appearances for Tigers since his debut during the 2015/16 campaign as a loan signing from his hometown, Bristol.

The loosehead prop received a call up to the national squad in 2016 after making the move to Leicester, gaining his first Test Cap in May against Wales.

Genge joined the club on a permanent basis ahead of the 2016/17 season and was appointed club-captain ahead of the current campaign, replacing Tom Youngs in the role.

Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “This is a personal decision for Ellis, which I know has not been easy for him, and, while disappointed, we respect his reasons for choosing to depart at season’s end.

“It has been a great privilege of mine to work with Ellis over the past five years, first with England and even more closely since I joined the club.

“We have a long way to go this season and Ellis is fully committed to finishing his time at Leicester Tigers in the same professional, passionate way he has during his six seasons at the club.”

Ellis Genge added: “I’ll be forever grateful for what this club has given me.

“I’ve created lifelong friendships and learned a great deal.

“The club has been amazing in understanding my reasons for this decision and I will continue to give everything I have got for the boys and the fans of Leicester Tigers for the rest of this season.”