Ellis Genge has revealed details of the deal he struck with himself to stay at Leicester until the good times returned.
Tigers’ captain plays his last game for England’s biggest club in the Premiership Final tomorrow before rejoining hometown team Bristol.
He does so after a six-year stint during which Leicester plumbed the depths - avoiding relegation in 2020 only because Saracens, their opponents this weekend, were bumped for cheating the salary cap.
Genge’s own game went from strength to strength in that time, earning him England recognition and a string of offers to jump ship.
But he stayed to fight and this season has reaped the rewards as Tigers topped the table and reached their first major final since 2013.
Genge said: “I made a pact a long time ago that I would never leave Tigers if they were in a dark hole.
“I had all sorts of offers in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to go elsewhere when we were bottom of the pile - but I said I wanted to stick it out and see brighter days.
“Hopefully on Saturday, I can leave with my head held high.”
Genge is many people’s idea of Premiership player of the season as Leicester roamed unbeaten at home in the league and made history by topping the table after every round.
“Ellis is in his first year as captain,” defence coach Kevin Sinfield said. “It looks like he’s been doing it 10 years."
Genge’s move to Bristol was confirmed in December, just five months after he succeeded Tom Youngs as captain. According to Bears boss Pat Lam he has taken a “huge” pay cut.
Given Bristol ended up fourth from bottom of the league, 46 points behind Twickenham-bound Leicester, it is reasonable to ask whether the 27-year old harbours conflicting emotions.
“No mate,” he replied. "I want to be with my family. It grates away at me knowing that there’s things going on down there and I’m up here that far from it.
“I know it’s not a million miles but I just want to be accessible for my family. Of course it's tough to walk away from a team that you've seen grow, but I am at peace with my decision.”
Genge insists his focus on tomorrow’s game is total, arguing that everything Leicester has achieved this season counts for nothing if they lose.
“I've still got my stuff in the changing rooms, I haven't packed, I’ve still got the house, I still live up here,” he said.
“I've got the biggest game of my career on Saturday. I will wait until after that to think about what’s next."
