Departing duo Ellis Genge and George Ford named as driving forces in Leicester rise

Ellis Genge and George Ford have been credited with driving the pursuit of Premiership and European glory at Leicester - despite being about to leave the club.

The England duo have signed deals with Bristol and Sale respectively and will move from Welford Road this summer.

But any notion that their hearts and minds could be elsewhere was emphatically dispelled last night by team boss Steve Borthwick.

“I sense from George and Ellis an incredible determination to finish their time at Tigers in the best possible way,” said Borthwick.

“Both want to leave this club on a high having been here through some tough times. They want to leave the club in a good place.”

Leicester lead the Premiership by eight points and are one of only two English clubs through to the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

“You can see those guys are playing well and that sets an example,” Borthwick added of his captain Genge and playmaker Ford. “I ask them to come and train hard, to set an example that way, and they’re doing exactly that.

“If you are playing well and training well, then it’s about being calm and composed at the right time, when the level of excitement is high. Those players are doing that.

“These guys have been to a World Cup Final. They have played in massive international games.

“Right now, they are really enjoying these big games at club level – because Leicester Tigers, quite frankly, haven’t had them for a long time.”

For a team that won the last of its 10 English titles nine long years ago these are heady times and Borthwick admits the excitement is shared by fans and players alike.

“There is this anticipation, no question,” he said. “We’re very excited about where we’re at - and the players deserve to be after all the work they’ve put