The Leicester Tigers title-winning captain is preparing for life after professional sport by diving into the world of construction and project management.

Genge, who has played over 200 professional games and captained Leicester Tigers to their first league title in nine years, has always been proactive about career development. With rugby careers being relatively short, the England international has taken steps to broaden his expertise, focusing on construction project management under the RICS framework.

Speaking about his decision, Genge said: “We unfortunately don’t get paid like footballers, so for 90% of players, there’s going to be work after rugby. I’ve always enjoyed working, and this course has given me the opportunity to invest in something I’m genuinely interested in. University wasn’t for me, but this route allows me to develop skills in an area I find fascinating.”

His passion for construction is rooted in his personal connections. With many close friends in the trades and a father who worked as a plumber, Genge has long held an ambition to bring together a team of skilled professionals to undertake property development projects in his home city of Bristol.

Genge’s interest in the built environment was further fuelled by his experience co-owning a 49,000 sq. ft gym in Leicester, a project that taught him valuable lessons in budgeting, project management, and working with contractors. He now sees his RICS course as the next step in developing the expertise needed to grow his business ventures.

“I wish I had done this course before opening the gym,” he admitted. “We made a lot of mistakes, but learning about budgeting, contracts, and project management now will help me make better decisions in the future.”

Despite balancing the demands of professional rugby with his studies, Genge has embraced the challenge and recently achieved a perfect score on one of his course assessments. He credits his sporting background for his ability to stay disciplined and focused.

“A lot of the skills I’ve gained in rugby including leadership, communication, and work ethic, are directly transferable to this industry. It’s been an eye-opener to see just how broad and diverse surveying and construction can be.”

Looking ahead, Genge hopes to develop projects in Bristol and beyond, leveraging his growing knowledge and network within the industry. His message to other athletes considering career development is simple: “Be brave and take it head-on.”

With a combination of elite sporting experience, business acumen, and newly acquired industry expertise, Ellis Genge is proving that preparation for life after rugby is just as important as success on the pitch.