New England captain is 'related to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali'

Known for his raw power on the pitch, magnetic personality off it, and an unflinching honesty that has won him fans around the world, Genge’s journey from Bristol’s council estates to the helm of the national team is as compelling as it is inspiring.

A fearless competitor, devoted family man, and occasional jokester with surprising stories — including a link to boxing legend Muhammad Ali — Genge embodies the modern England rugby captain: tough, dynamic, and unapologetically authentic. The facts you need to know about him are listed below.

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Born on 16 February 1995 in Bristol, Genge grew up in the Knowle West area and attended John Cabot Academy. He’s proud of his Bristol roots and remains a passionate Bristol Rovers fan.

Genge began as a number eight before switching to loosehead prop in his late teens. He started out with Old Redcliffians before moving to Hartpury College, where he captained his side to two national titles.

He made his senior debut for Bristol Bears before moving to Leicester Tigers in 2016, where he became a fan favourite and eventually captain. In 2022, he returned to his boyhood club Bristol Bears to lead their front row.

Genge made his England debut in 2016 against Wales at Twickenham. Since then, he has become one of England’s most dependable forwards, celebrated for his powerful carrying and relentless intensity.

Genge is set to captain England for the first time this weekend against Fiji. His leadership style is built on honesty, aggression, and inspiration — traits that have made him a natural choice to lead by example.

Standing 1.87 metres tall and weighing around 116 kilograms, Genge is renowned for his explosive scrummaging, dominant ball-carrying, and fierce competitive edge. In the gym, he can reportedly bench-press an impressive 190 kilograms — a reflection of the raw strength that underpins his game.

Away from rugby, Genge has invested in business ventures including his own gym brand and community projects. He is also the first ambassador for the Bristol Bears Foundation, showing his commitment to his hometown.

Genge has spoken openly about his dyspraxia, using his platform to raise awareness and inspire young people who face similar challenges. He’s often praised for staying authentic and grounded despite his fame.

Genge is in a long-term relationship with his Welsh partner, Meg. The couple have three children together and value keeping their family life private. He often credits his family as his greatest source of motivation.

Ellis Genge has occasionally teased a surprising potential family link to boxing legend Muhammad Ali. According to Genge, his grandmother was born in the United States and carried the surname Grady, the same as Ali’s mother, Odessa Lee Grady.

Curious about the connection, Genge has mentioned considering a DNA or ancestry test to explore whether he could be related, even joking that he “could be Ali’s great-grandchild.” While the story is compelling and captures the imagination — connecting one of rugby’s most powerful forwards to one of boxing’s greatest champions — it is important to note that the link has not been officially verified.

No public family tree or DNA evidence has confirmed the relationship, leaving it as an intriguing anecdote that reflects Genge’s playful personality as well as his respect for sporting legends. Whether or not the connection is real, the story reinforces Genge’s image as a fearless, larger-than-life athlete, someone whose roots and ambitions reach far beyond the rugby pitch.

There is a striking resemblance in some photos.