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Bristol-born rugby player Ellis Genge is going to take a DNA test during this Six Nations to find out if he is descended from Muhammad Ali.

The intriguing link between Ali and the rugby player stems from Genge's grandmother.

Genge's grandmother was born near to Ali's parents and shared the same surname, Grady.

Genge, who played for Bristol until he joined Leicester Tigers in 2016, told The Sun: “I could be Ali’s great-grandkid. That would be sick.

“Ali’s mother’s maiden name is Grady. Odessa Lee Grady. The birth name on the black side of our family is Grady.

“And my granddad looks exactly like Ali! I was told that at a young age, so I have a lot of interest in him. I like what Ali stood for. He was his own person. I respect him for what he did.

“I have always opted out of blood tests or anything like that because I don’t like people having my bloods. I am quite a conspiracist and I don’t want a clone.

“But now I’m quite keen and am going to do an ancestry DNA one.

“I am interested in all that sort of stuff but I want to keep it quite discreet, I am quite weird like that and I don’t want it on everyone’s database.”

Genge left Bristol for Leicester Tigers midway through the 2015/16 season, following a series of problems both on the field, and off it.

The 24-year-old grew up on an estate in Knowle West and felt he had to leave the city after getting arrested several times.

There were also unconfirmed reports the feisty forward was involved in a training ground bust-up with then Bristol coach Andy Robinson.

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

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

Last month we reported that Bristol Bears had been outbid in their attempts to bring Genge back to his hometown club.