sport news Ellis has gone from Mad Dog to Captain Fantastic!: Ludlam pays tribute new ... trends now
For an insight into what Ellis Genge will bring to the England captaincy and how the ‘mad dog’ became a suitable candidate for the prestigious role, just ask Lewis Ludlam.
The pair have been friends and on-field foes since first crossing paths in a schools tournament 13 years ago. As similarly emotional characters who have matured into leaders, Ludlam — the Red Rose flanker and Northampton skipper — has a clear grasp of the way Genge has matured from being, in his own words, an ‘anti-social angry kid’ into an inspirational talisman.
Prior to his move home to Bristol last summer, the 28-year-old, force-of-nature prop captained Leicester to the Premiership title under Steve Borthwick. Now, the national coach has given him the Test armband for the first time, having opted to demote Owen Farrell to the bench.
When Genge leads England out against France at Twickenham tomorrow, it will represent a glorious ascent to the peak of his profession, from a difficult background on the tough Knowle West estate.
Having emerged as a raw, wild prospect, he has evolved into a mainstay of the England pack and a figure capable of galvanising those around him with his explosive ball-carrying and instinctive knack for connecting with his team-mates.
Ellis Genge will captain England for the first time against France at Twickenham on Saturday
Recalling his first encounter with Genge, Ludlam said: ‘I remember playing against Gengey when we were 14 years old, at a schools tournament. He was a mad dog. He was playing No8, I was playing No7, and he was running over a few of the little ones.
‘I think it kicked off in the game. I remember him being in it and there were parents screaming on the side of the pitch. He’s always been emotional and aggressive and I think his ability to control that now and use it in the right way is a real talent of his.’
Asked about how Genge has changed, Ludlam added: ‘He has definitely got control of his emotions way, way better. I remember him being a bit of a loose cannon, but now he knows when to flick it on and flick it off.
‘You see him when he is carrying the ball, he has got that horrible doggedness inside of him and it is emotional and he brings it out of himself. In gaps in the game, his ability to bring himself down and speak and get his messages across is something I think has been really impressive.
‘He’s brilliant. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, when
