Pat Lam: 'I think Ellis’ passion for his hometown comes through'

Earlier this week, Ellis Genge signed a new long-term contract with his beloved Bristol Bears.

The 29-year-old, who started his career with Bristol, has made an impact both on and off the pitch since returning to his hometown club in 2022.

With some fellow England internationals opting for new chapters overseas, the loosehead has not followed suit and Bears boss Pat Lam was ‘delighted’ that Genge was able to put pen to paper.

“He's England's best loosehead,” Lam said. “He's well known for his passion for his country and he's just as passionate for Bristol. It was great when he came home. He's a big influence not only here but in the team and community so it was a natural fit for him to stay and we're all delighted.

“We are all really pleased Ellis is staying. He is a massive part of our team. I look forward to seeing the big things he is going to achieve for both club and country moving forward.”

Across two stints, Genge has made 45 appearances for his boyhood club and the England forward will add to that total on Friday evening when Bristol entertain Gloucester at Ashton Gate.

“I think the best leaders first learn by example,” Lam continued. “You can talk a lot but you have to back that up. I think his passion for his hometown comes through. When you're from a place and you’re representing your country and able to play for your home team, it takes your leadership to another level because it means a lot more to you and that's certainly what Ellis brings.”

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Genge and Bristol will now be focused on backing up last weekend’s 24-3 win over Newcastle Falcons.

Round Two’s opponents come in the form of Gloucester who began the Premiership season with a 35-26 defeat to Saracens, but Lam feels the Cherry and Whites will be more competitive because of their loss.

“It's an expectation, it's us at home,” he said. “Most people will expect us to win but when I look at Gloucester, first and foremost, I have a lot of admiration for George (Skivington) at what he's doing and being brave enough to realise they want to change the way they are playing the game.

“We saw glimpses of that in their game against Saracens. It's going to be a great game.

“You've got two teams who want to play rugby. The weather looks pretty good for Friday night and we'll be in our blue and white hoops. Gloucester have some world-class players and they're going to try and have a go at it”.

Despite the fact it's a West Country derby on Friday night and tensions can run high, Gloucester have been complimentary of Bristol’s style and Lam is looking forward to continuing to play “exciting rugby”.

“There are so many ways to play the game but ultimately it's an entertainment sport and when you have two teams that want to play rugby, you get a great spectacle. We have the expectation to make rugby as exciting as possible whilst still trying to win which is what we want to do."