“For me to leave obviously Leicester winning the Prem [Premiership title in 2022] and then coming straight here, it was a big ask,” he added. “My family said, ‘what are you doing?’, but I knew it was the right decision.
“The training ground, compared to 90% of the other clubs, is above and beyond. That obviously is a big pull, going somewhere at work every day which you think this is wild.
“It was an easy one for me. I’m from here and when I put a Bristol shirt on, it actually means something to me. I probably am on par with how passionate I am about playing for England as what I am for playing for Bristol.”
Genge is excited about the Bears’ upcoming season and added: “If you’re not first you’re last. No-one remembers who finishes [in the] top four, they remember who wins.
“Personally, I’d love to bring back a trophy to Bristol and, hopefully, inspire a few more people from my neck of the woods to take up rugby.”
Genge played 54 minutes in Bristol’s 24-3 win over Newcastle Falcons in their Gallagher Premiership opener on Friday.