Bristol and England rugby star Ellis Genge to take DNA test over Muhammad Ali links

Bristol-born rugby player Ellis Genge has revealed he will take a DNA test in order to find out if he is related to Muhammad Ali.

Genge, who is currently on England duty in the Six Nations, shares a link with the boxing legend via his grandmother.

She was born in the United States near Ali’s parents and they shared the same surname - Grady.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Credit: PA

Genge, who played for Bristol Bears until he joined Leicester Tigers in 2016, said it would be “sick” if the test proved he and Ali were related.

Genge left Bristol for Leicester Tigers midway through the 2015/16 season.

The 24-year-old grew up in Knowle West and said he felt he had to leave the city in order to escape bad influences.

But his move to Tigers was an inspired one and he was quickly offered a permanent deal at the club, establishing himself as a first-choice starter.

Eddie Jones and England quickly came calling and in 2016 he made his debut against Wales.