- Bristol Bears star Ellis Genge is the first player to test NFL boots in rugby
- Genge’s boots have been modified, with long studs on the bottom.
Ellis Genge plans to start the new season fitter than ever after the England star became the first player to test the boots of the NFL in rugby.
Genge missed his country’s win over Japan and 2-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand this summer after suffering a calf injury while on club duty with Bristol in May.
The prop continues his fitness recovery and hopes to get the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership campaign underway when it gets underway next month.
At Bristol’s open training session at Ashton Gate on Thursday, Genge tried out new boots for the first time. His black Nike-sponsored footwear is similar to that worn by linemen in American football, with a Velcro strap on the laces and a high finish on the ankle.
Genge’s boots have been modified to be more rugby-specific, with long studs on the bottom.
Bristol Bears star Ellis Genge has become the first player to test out NFL boots in rugby.
Genge’s boots have been modified to be more rugby specific with long studs on the bottom.
Genge hopes the boots will give him the solidity in set-piece situations he wants during pre-season.
“With rugby boots these days, you want them to be faster, but they’re becoming a bit less durable for the scrum. I’m trying them out,” explained Genge, 29.
‘They are very heavy. It’s the first time I’ve used them. I paid someone locally to do it (convert the boots). Nike is trying. I’m back to training at full capacity now.
‘It’s the first time I’ve done pre-season in a long, long time, so it’s been a bit different. I don’t envy guys who do pre-season every year. It’s a very laborious process.
“I’ve been trying to get into better physical shape. Obviously, I didn’t want to get injured. It’s tough. You want to play and be active.”
Genge is likely to continue testing his new boots in Bristol’s pre-season games ahead of the first round of Premiership fixtures to see if they provide the solidity from set-pieces he hopes for.
Pat Lam’s Bears will be in action on the league’s opening night when they travel to Newcastle on September 20. Bristol finished fifth last season, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.
The pillar continues with his physical recovery and hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
Thursday marked one year until England hosts the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby has used this milestone to confirm an exclusive broadcast deal with the BBC, which will show all matches of the tournament on terrestrial television or online.
England’s Red Roses, currently coached by John Mitchell, are the number one team in women’s football and favourites to win at home.