Ellis Genge puts faith in lucky foot to help England defeat the Welsh in crunch Six Nations fixture

  • Prop Ellis Genge is in contention to play for England against Wales on Saturday
  • Mako Vunipola has been ruled out with injury leaving a vacancy at loose-head 
  • Ben Moon is the other option to start but Genge has a lucky, decorated right foot

If Ellis Genge is picked to play against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, it could be a good omen for England — on account of the Leicester prop's lucky, decorated right foot.

In the enforced absence of Mako Vunipola, the national team have a vacancy at loose head.

Ben Moon of Exeter is the front-runner to start, but Genge — the rampaging Tigers rookie — is in line for a place in the match day 23. 

Ellis Genge is in contention to start for England against Wales in Six Nations clash in Cardiff

Ellis Genge is in contention to start for England against Wales in Six Nations clash in Cardiff

In the event of the 24-year-old making an appearance at the Principality Stadium, he will mark it with a commemorative tattoo.


So far, each time he has done so it has been on the back of a victory. 

Genge removed his right trainer at England's hotel in Surrey yesterday and explained the routine.

Asked about the ink outline of a Wallaby that could be seen, he said: 'Australia tour, 2016. I have got all my Test matches on my foot. 

The loosehead prop gets a tattoo to commemorate every Test match he plays for England

The loosehead prop gets a tattoo to commemorate every Test match he plays for England

'I've got a Springbok, Argentina (a Puma), Ireland — a shamrock. I'll get a dragon if I play against Wales. I haven't lost on that foot yet.'

Genge is on course to earn his seventh Test cap, against his girlfriend's country of birth. She is from Port Talbot and he will understand any divided loyalties. 

'It's up to her, isn't it?' he said. 'They are a patriotic bunch and very passionate — but so are the English. It always makes for a good match.'

Exeter veteran Ben Moon is the other option at loosehead for Eddie Jones and may start

Exeter veteran Ben Moon is the other option at loosehead for Eddie Jones and may start