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 is aiming to start the new season fitter than ever after the England star became the first player to try out NFL football boots in a rugby match.

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

The prop is currently regaining his fitness and hopes to start the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season when it begins next month.

During Bristol’s open training session at Ashton Gate on Thursday, Genge tested out new boots for the first time. His Nike-sponsored black shoes resemble those worn by American football linemen, with a hook-and-loop closure over the laces and a high ankle finish.

Genge’s boots have been modified to make them more suitable for rugby, with long studs on the bottom.

Genge’s boots have been adapted to be more suitable for rugby, with long studs on the bottom

Genge hopes the boots will give him the solid base stability he wants as he prepares for the season

‘With rugby boots these days you want them to be faster but they’re becoming a bit less robust for scrumming. I’m testing them out,’ Genge, 29, explained.

“They’re very heavy. It’s the first time I’ve worn them. I paid someone around here to do it (rebuild the shoes). Nike is trying. I’m back in full training.

“It’s the first time in a long, long time that I’ve had a pre-season, so it’s a bit different. I don’t envy the guys who have a pre-season every year. It’s a very laborious process.

“I tried to get in better physical shape. Obviously I didn’t want to get injured. It’s tough. You want to play and you want to 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 give him the durability he hopes.

Pat Lam’s Bears will be in action on the opening night of the season when they travel to Newcastle on September 20. Bristol finished fifth last season, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.

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

Thursday marks exactly one year until England hosts the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby used this milestone to sign an exclusive broadcasting deal with the BBC. The BBC will broadcast all matches of the tournament, either on national television channels or online.

England’s Red Roses, currently coached by John Mitchell, are the number one team in women’s football and favourites to win on home soil.