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Ian Johnson

Watch England rugby star Ellis Genge's incredible gesture to young fan at St James' Park

An England rugby union star made a fan's night at St James' Park by gifting him his shirt.

Try scorer Ellis Genge embraced the young fan after England's 37-0 friendly win over Italy on Friday night.

Then, in what was dubbed a "beautiful touch", he gave the beaming lad the gift in a moment he will likely never forget.

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Ellis Genge passes the ball during the England captain's run at Pennyhill Park on August 23, 2019 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

"A little boy in the crowd who contacted me online," he told Sky Sports moments later.

"I was chatting to him for a few months now. I seen him before the game - small world - and just gave him my top after.

"I just said to him before the game, stay here and I'll come over after.

"Hopefully I'll get a few more tops in my time but I think it is only right to give it to him."

The 24-year-old prop played a key role in England's victory in Newcastle in what is the side's final fixture before the World Cup.

And fans were full of praise online for the star's act of kindness.

"He’s a class act - deserves all the accolades he will get," wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another added: "The important thing here is not that he gave him his shirt, loads of players do that.

"It is that he is taking the time to use social media to engage with people and improve people's lives."

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