Six Nations 2022: England's Ellis Genge on moment Italy's Sebastian Negri was knocked out

England prop Ellis Genge said he knew something «horrible» had happened to Italy's Sebastian Negri when he «heard him choking» during Sunday's game.

Replacement Negri had been on the pitch for 16 minutes in the second half when he was knocked out in a collision.

«I gave him a slap to see if he reacted,» Genge said.

«He just carried on choking so I didn't know if he had swallowed his tongue — that's why I tried to roll him on to his side.»

Once Genge called attention to Negri's condition, the 27-year-old received immediate medical attention and was driven from the pitch on a stretcher during England's 33-0 Six Nations win in Rome.

Italy said Negri sustained «head trauma» and will now follow the return-to-play protocols for concussion.

«I'm not a master in medicine, but I'm pretty sure you are supposed to put them in the recovery position so I tried to do that. I was quickly ushered away by the medics so I let them just carry on,» added Genge.

«It's horrible when that happens. I don't know Seb very well personally, but a lot of my friends played at Hartpury College with him and apparently he's a lovely bloke.

»He'd just come on and he's a big player for them and for that to happen wasn't nice to see. I hope he's well. I really do. I really don't like seeing people being hurt like that."

Negri thanked Genge on social media for alerting officials so quickly

«Thank you so much Ellis Genge,» Negri said to the prop on Twitter. «You are a top man. All good this side and feeling a lot better.»

Negri's was not the only head injury sustained during England's 33-0 Six Nations win in Rome.

There was some confusion when wing Jack Nowell — making his first start since the 2019 World Cup after a string of injuries — took a blow to the head.

A doctor