Ellis Genge becomes first player to trial NFL boots in rugby as Bristol Bears star aims to start the new campaign fitter than ever Bristol Bears star Ellis Genge is the first player to trial NFL boots in rugby Genge’s boots have been modified, with long studs on the bottom By Alex Bywater Published: 22:51, 22 August 2024 | Updated: 23:00, 22 August 2024 e-mail View comments 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.
Bristol Bears star Ellis Genge has become the first player to trial NFL boots in rugby 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 quicke.