'You want players to be robots?' - Ellis Genge explains pre-match comments aimed at Exeter's Harry Williams

Ellis Genge has taken to social media to explain his pre-match comments aimed at Exeter Chiefs’ prop Harry Wiliams.

Talking to BT Sports’ Ben Kay, the England prop said in relation to the scrums between Leicester Tigers and Exeter: “I just hope it stays up to be honest.”

“I’ve been chatting to Harry (Williams) all week, I sent a letter two weeks ago, contemplating this game. I sent a letter to his address in Exeter.

“I don’t know if he opened them yet. He knows what’s coming.”

"Ugh… I just hope it stays up to be honest."

"I've been chatting to Harry, I sent a letter, he knows what's coming."

Ellis Genge is ready for the battle in at scrum time…

Brilliant 😂 pic.twitter.com/6dPc6W3ZIL

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 21, 2019

His comments were widely received in the humour they were meant, although the loosehead felt he had to take to Twitter to explain them afterwards, presumably after a minority online didn’t see the funny side of the prop trash talk.

“Why’s everyone losing their minds over a bit of craic between me and arry, you lot need to relax do you want players to be robots and give you 0 personality. Well done Exeter Chiefs, you lot are class safe journey home, thanks to our fans too! Merry Christmas everyone.”

Why’s everyone losing their minds over a bit of craic between me and arry, you lot need to relax do you want players to be robots and give you 0 personality. Well done @ExeterChiefs you lot are class safe journey home, thanks to our fans too! Merry Christmas everyone.

— Gengey (@EllisGenge) December 21, 2019

What followed was a deluge of people applauding him for breaking the mould with some funny trash talk. The target of the banter himself – Harry Williams – clearly saw the funny side.

“Just a joke guys, bit of fun. It’s all love. Merry Christmas.”

https://twitter.com/HarryWilliams91/status/1208466658316226560

England wing Anthony Watson tweeted: “Talk the ting Genge. What happens when u try have fun”.

Talk the ting Genge. What happens when u try have fun 👀😂

— Anthony Watson (@anthonywatson_) December 21, 2019

Will Carling backed him up, saying: “Don’t ever change mate – real fans appreciate how special you are – the rest are really not worth a second thought !! I love you.”

Don’t ever change mate – real fans appreciate how special you are – the rest are really not worth a second thought !! I love you 👍 https://t.co/RkDLqXOsyY

— Will Carling (@willcarling) December 21, 2019

Ugo Monye tweeted: “Loved it”.

Loved it!

— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) December 21, 2019

Former roommate and Bristol Bears flyhalf Callum Sheedy Tweeted: “Relaxxxxxxxx… Up the genge. Congrats on the big 5.0 roomie.”

https://twitter.com/Sheedy95/status/1208469513257279491

The game needs more like Ellis Genge, not less.

RugbyPass had the pleasure of talking to England and Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi about all things Lions!