Ellis Genge could be on course to leave Bristol Bears after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with clubs in both France and Japan reportedly interested in signing the loosehead prop.
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According to RugbyPass, there is significant interest from overseas, with the prospect of a lucrative contract available. Genge signed a new long-term deal with Bristol in September 2024, although the exact length of the agreement was not made public.
The England international returned to his hometown club in 2022 after spending six years with Leicester Tigers. During his time at Welford Road, he captained the side to the Premiership title in his final season before departing.
Genge has earned 80 Test caps for England and was part of the British and Irish Lions squad that toured Australia in 2025. He featured in all three Test matches as the Lions secured a series victory.
A move to France or Japan would make him ineligible for England selection under current RFU regulations, which prevent players based overseas from representing the national team.
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One notable example is Jack Willis, who has established himself as one of the Top 14’s standout performers since joining Toulouse but remains unavailable for England selection because he plays his club rugby abroad.
If more leading English players choose to continue their careers overseas, the RFU could come under increasing pressure to review its eligibility rules and consider possible changes.
Genge will be 32 by the time a potential move after the 2027 World Cup comes around, and he may view that tournament as his final realistic opportunity on the international stage.
By the time the next World Cup arrives in 2031, he will be 36 and facing far greater uncertainty over his place at the highest level of the game.
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