England bad boy inspired by Siya Kolisi

England front rower Ellis Genge says he wants to use rugby to start making a tangible difference in the lives of the young people in his hometown.

Genge is set to feature for England against the Wallabies at Twickenham this coming weekend, but in between all the preparation for that showdown, he launched his foundation this week, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the adolescents in Bristol.

Throughout his club and international career, the 29-year-old England superstar has often times struggled with bad habits and had several run-ins with the law; all of which self-admittedly stems from growing up in a tough neighbourhood in a city with the limited opportunities, the lure of crime, and social inequality.

BAD BOY GENGE WANTS TO HELP OTHERS LIKE HIM

According to the England star man, he has had conversions with several stakeholders in Bristol about potentially incorporating rugby into the education system to help foster discipline, friendship, cohesion and leadership in young people of Bristol.

And, through the newly launched Genge Fund, the England scrummager will able to provide equal opportunities to children in sport and education.

“I used to do some things I probably won’t ever speak about,” Genge said.

“I know I can relate to these kids because I’m a living example of what they’re going through. I’ve done it, I’ve been excluded, I know their experiences.”

ENGLAND PROP DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM BOK SKIPPER

He draws particular inspiration from South Africa’s two-time World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, an individual born with nothing who grew out of abject poverty to become rugby’s poster boy and a iconic figure worldwide.

“Siya is incredible, a living example of what everyone in sport, let alone rugby, should aspire to be and do,” the England front ranker explained. “What he does is amazing. Amazing for rugby, even more brilliant for the people where he’s from.

“I genuinely don’t think 90 per cent of kids from my area are aware of what rugby can give them. Not just rugby, sports in general.

“They’re more aware of football, of course, but I honestly don’t think they understand the impact that the people you meet in rugby – the characters, the Rugby Family – can have. That’s where I want to take this.”