Rugby Union News: England Vice-Captain Genge Raises Alarm Over ‘Class Problem’ in the Sport
As reported by BBC Rugby Union on April 11, 2024, England vice-captain Ellis Genge has voiced his concerns about the persistent “class problem” that is hindering the broader development of rugby talent in the country. The 29-year-old Bristol prop, who grew up in the city’s disadvantaged Knowle West neighborhood, has highlighted the urgent need for greater diversity of opportunities within his sport.
Genge Fears Lack of Opportunities for Underprivileged Players
Genge fears that not enough is being done to open up development pathways for those from underprivileged backgrounds, in contrast to the advantages enjoyed by players from affluent private school backgrounds. “Rugby union has definitely got a class problem,” he told Simon Jordan on the William Hill’s Up Front podcast. “I’ve seen it first-hand over the years, from when I started going to trials. At a younger age, which kids miss out on becoming a professional rugby player is massively dependent on the class divide in the sport – and I’m strictly talking a financial divide here.“
The England international explained that players from private schools often have access to superior facilities, coaching, and resources, putting them at a significant advantage in the talent identification and development process. “If you’re a nice enough bloke and don’t cause any problems, you’re going to get a chance. When talking about all the kit you need to buy, the hours you need to drive to go to all the schools and rugby festivals, ultimately, the private schools have the best facilities and the best coaches. They’re going to produce better talent – and I get that.“
Raw Talent Often Found in Deprived Areas
However, Genge believes that the most raw talent and potential lies within deprived areas, where young players are often driven by a hunger to escape their circumstances. “The kids with raw talent and aggression, that are hungry to get out of where they’re from, I know where that is and that’s in those deprived areas. That’s what it all whittles down to – money.“
“The pathways between the two sports are very different, the talent identification isn’t there in rugby,” Genge lamented. “I don’t think the biggest talents in football had to go to university and get scouted there and do it the hard way.”
Genge’s comments underscore the pressing need for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the broader rugby union community to address the systemic barriers that prevent talented players from underprivileged backgrounds from reaching the highest levels of the game. As the sport continues to grapple with this “class problem,” the England vice-captain’s call for greater investment and inclusivity at the grassroots level may prove crucial in shaping the future of rugby union in the country.
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