- Bristol Bears star Ellis Jenge becomes first player to wear NFL boots in rugby
- Genge’s boots were modified with long studs added to the sole.
After the England star became the first player to pull on NFL boots for rugby, Ellis Jenge is looking to start the new season fitter than ever.
Genge missed the national team’s win over Japan and the 2-0 defeat in the Test series against New Zealand this summer after suffering a calf injury during a club campaign with Bristol in May.
The player continues to work on his fitness and will hope to be fit for the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season, which begins next month.
At Bristol’s open training session at Ashton Gate on Thursday, Genge tested the new boots for the first time. His black Nike-sponsored shoes are similar to those used by linemen in American football, with Velcro straps across the laces and a high ankle finish.
Genji’s boots have been modified to be more suitable for rugby, with longer studs on the sole.
Bristol Bears star Ellis Jenge becomes first rugby player to wear NFL boots
Genge’s boots have been modified to be more suitable for rugby, with longer studs on the sole.
Genge is hoping the boots will provide him with the set-piece solidity he needs during pre-season.
‘Rugby boots these days are supposed to be faster but they’re not as sturdy for scrums. I’m experimenting with that,’ explains the 29-year-old.
‘They’re very heavy. It’s my first time wearing them. I paid a local guy to modify them. Nike is working on them. I’m training again.
‘It’s a bit different because it’s been a while since I’ve had a pre-season. I don’t envy the guys who do a pre-season every year. It’s a really tough process.
‘I’ve been trying to get in better physical shape. I definitely don’t want to get injured. It’s tough. I want to play and be active.’
Gen.G are likely to continue testing the new boots in Bristol’s pre-season fixtures ahead of their first-round Premier League clash, to see if they can provide the stability they desire on set pieces.
Pat Lamb’s Bears will open the league season with a trip to Newcastle on September 20. Bristol finished fifth last season and unfortunately missed out on a play-off spot.
The player continues to recover his fitness and will hopefully be ready for the start of the season.
Thursday marks one year until England hosts the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby has signed an exclusive broadcast deal with the BBC to mark this milestone, which will broadcast all matches of the tournament on terrestrial television and online.
England’s Red Rose, currently managed by John Mitchell, are top of the women’s game and are favourites to win the title on home soil.
