Ellis Genge’s international journey can be traced through three trips to Australia. In 2016 he and fellow prop Kyle Sinckler were raw prospects, brought mainly for experience and nowhere near Test selection. Six years later, in Brisbane, Genge’s thunderous carry into Michael Hooper helped ignite the second-Test win that levelled the 2022 series and, many felt, eased pressure on then England coach Eddie Jones. Now, back in the Queensland capital three years on, Genge wins his first British & Irish Lions Test cap against Australia.
Head coach Andy Farrell has urged his side to lean into the weight of expectation that comes with being favourites and has challenged Genge to walk tall. Farrell wants his players to pause and recognise the achievement of reaching Lions Test level, a message that has landed with a prop who rarely spends long looking back. He has been asked to take a second before kick-off to appreciate the journey. Genge admits that on early tours he and Sinckler were more interested in the nightlife than the grind; maturity and responsibility have since reshaped him.
He recalls reaching an intense emotional pitch before that 2022 Brisbane match vice-captain, series on the line, and riled by perceived provocation from Taniela Tupou and says recreating that edge could be transformative. The aftermath was draining: you do not sleep, he says, but he would gladly go there again if it means delivering when it matters.
Praise still makes him uncomfortable, yet he accepts how far he has come. A mentor’s reminder that there is a difference between being a Lion and being a winning Test Lion now burns bright. He has been in recent contact with Jones, who cut straight to technical feedback when texted exactly the blunt response Genge values.
While ball carrying remains an obvious strength, Genge believes his biggest leap is at the set piece. He has added roughly 12kg in the past 18 months up to about 126kg from the 114-115kg frame with which he burst onto the scene – through more disciplined gym work. The added heft may have cost him a yard of pace, he concedes with a grin, but he argues it is paying off where looseheads earn their keep.
Brisbane again, emotion high, opportunity immense. If Genge can channel the ferocity of 2022 within Farrell’s framework, the Lions’ pack could have a formidable spearhead on Saturday.
