Ellis Genge becomes first player to trial NFL boots in rugby as Bristol Bears star aims to start the new campaign fitter than ever

Ellis Genge plans on starting the new season fitter than ever after the England star became the first player to trial NFL boots in rugby.

Genge missed his country’s win over Japan and 2-0 Test series defeat by New Zealand this summer after suffering a calf injury on club duty with Bristol in May.

The prop is continuing his fitness recovery and hopes to be able to start the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership campaign when it begins next month.

At Bristol’s open training session at Ashton Gate on Thursday, Genge tested out new boots for the first time. His Nike-sponsored black footwear is similar to that used by linemen in American Football with a Velcro strap across the laces and a high ankle finish.

Genge’s boots have been modified to be more rugby specific with long studs on the bottom.

Genge’s boots have been modified to be more rugby specific with long studs on the bottom 

Genge is hoping the boots will give him the set piece solidity he desires during pre-season

‘With rugby boots now, you want them to be quicker but they are getting a bit less robust for scrummaging. I am testing them out,’ Genge, 29, explained.

‘They are very heavy. It is the first time I have worn them. I paid someone local to do it (convert the boots). Nike are trying. I am back training fully.

‘It is the first time I have had a pre-season for a long, long time, so it has been a bit different. I don’t envy the men who do pre-season every year. It is a very laborious process.

‘I have tried to get into better physical shape. Obviously, I didn’t want to be injured. It is tough. You want to be playing and you want to be active.’

Genge is likely to continue testing out his new boots in Bristol’s pre-season games ahead of the first round of Premiership matches to see if they give him the set-piece solidity he hopes. 

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 a play-off spot.

The prop is continuing his fitness recovery and hopes to be ready for the start of the season

Thursday, marked one year to go until England host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby used the milestone to confirm an exclusive broadcast deal with the BBC who will show all the tournament’s matches either on terrestrial television or online.

England’s Red Roses, currently coached by John Mitchell, are the women’s game’s No 1 side and favourites to win on home soil.