Ellis Genge enters war of words with Brian Moore as England star offers flowers to pundit

Leicester Tigers prop Ellie Genge has fired back at Brian Moore after the BBC pundit suggested the prop was guilty of undermining officials.

Neither Genge nor Tigers team-mate Dan Cole started for the league-leaders during Saturday's 26-20 defeat away to Premiership titleholders Harlequins. It was during that period on the sidelines the prop pair were seen addressing an official following a scrum penalty to the hosts, which Moore saw as an attempt to apply pressure.

“At one point in the game both Ellis Genge and Dan Cole were berating one of Barnes’ assistant referees whilst they were warming up as substitutes in the in-goal area," the ex- England hooker wrote for the Telegraph . "They were obviously disagreeing with Barnes’ decision that held the Tigers’ front row as being responsible for a collapsed scrum.

“Whilst both those players have broad knowledge of the scrum, neither should be allowed to engage with any official until they are actually playing on the pitch and even then, they should only do so in an appropriate manner.”

Rugby has strict rules when it comes to players addressing the officials, one aspect that's rightly praised in comparison to other sports. Skippers (or vice-captains acting in their absence) are usually the only players permitted to speak with the referee or their assistants.

Quins ultimately won both halves in an enthralling contest, where a late Andre Esterhuizen try proved to be the difference between the two teams. Despite suffering a fourth defeat of the season so far, 27-year-old Genge was in high enough spirits to aim a light-hearted retort in Moore's direction.

"Nothing but respect for the officials who manage the game, would never try to undermine any official, I am so sorry