Ellis Genge: Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam praises impact of England prop since his arrival from Leicester Tigers

New Bristol Bears signing Ellis Genge has been hailed by director of rugby Pat Lam for his impact since he arrived at the Premiership outfit.

Prop Genge is set to feature for the Bears in their season opener against Bath at Ashton Gate in what should be a thrilling fixture on Friday evening.

And the England star, who helped lead Leicester Tigers to Premiership success last season, is raring to go after his exploits in Australia this summer.

Putting a plan in place

“You have to put in your plan for them (England players) and proposals, and each club is different,” Bristol director of rugby Lam said in an interview.

“You apply to the game management board, which is in partnership with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association.

“We put a plan in for Ellis, and it started on the basis that he arrived here and saw the first game and said: ‘It is non-negotiable. I am playing that game. No-one is stopping me playing that game’.

“That was his mindset, so then we had to put a plan in place about how we would manage his game-time going into November (internationals) and then going into the Six Nations.

“I was able to share that with Eddie (England head coach Jones), and he was very happy, and then it went to the game management board and they all signed it off.

“Ellis is highly-excited for the game, and there are still a few seats left if people want to get down and see the impact he will make for Bristol on his homecoming.”

Genge‘s return to his home club is massive fillip for both player and team and Bristol boss Lam revealed his impact has already been felt as he grows.

Lam added: “He has made a phenomenal impact. Actions first and foremost, followed by very calm words that match the action, but more importantly, he has enjoyed himself.

Growing and growing

“He has come home. It’s great to have him back, and most importantly, he is happy.

“Without a doubt, there is more to come from him. He is a competitor. His actions will ensure he will get better.

“What I see from him, what I hear from him, what I observe, he is just growing and growing.”

Lam continued that Genge’s England and now Bristol teammate, Kyle Sinckler, is fit to play for the Bath fixture after missing England’s trip to Australia.

“The injury he had with his back, he played with a lot of pain, and taking that break and working with the medical team, it’s great he is fit and healthy again,” Lam said.

“He is pumped. Training yesterday was pretty intense, and he looks ready to go.”

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