World Cup-winning Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has admitted there’s one current England star he’d love to work with — but it’s not who most fans might expect.
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The South African tactician, who guided the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 and helped mastermind their 2023 triumph as Director of Rugby, says there’s one English forward who embodies everything he looks for in a player.
“I would love to coach him,” Erasmus said.
“Any prop that looks the other prop in the eyes before a scrum, you know he’s a dog. You don’t want a prop that’s looking at his toes, scared. I want guys like that on my team.”
So who’s caught the Bok boss’s eye?
It’s none other than Ellis Genge — the Bristol Bears and England powerhouse known for his fiery attitude, bulldozing carries, and no-nonsense leadership.
Rassie Erasmus – The Mastermind
A former Springbok flanker turned coaching genius, Rassie Erasmus took South Africa from crisis to champions. After a stellar playing career, he made his mark in coaching with the Cheetahs and Munster before transforming the Boks. Known for his innovation, honesty, and unfiltered passion, Erasmus has become one of rugby’s most influential modern figures.
Ellis Genge – The “Baby Rhino”
Born in Bristol in 1995, Ellis Genge burst onto the scene with his trademark aggression and physicality. Nicknamed the Baby Rhino, the loosehead prop has been a key figure for England since his debut in 2016. Renowned for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Genge captained Leicester Tigers to Premiership glory in 2022 before returning home to Bristol. He’s never been one to back down — and it’s clear Erasmus loves that.
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