Bristol Bears teammate reveals the ‘stupid’ diet that is helping Ellis Genge perform at the top of his game
Bristol Bears teammate reveals the 'stupid' diet that is helping Ellis Genge perform at the top of his game
Bristol Bears centre James Williams has revealed the secret to Ellis Genge’s success, citing a surprising change in diet for his recent dominance.
Speaking to reporters after Bristol’s tight victory over Sale on Friday, Williams opened up about the 30-year-old prop, saying: “On the surface, people probably think he’s just like a hard guy, says it how it is, and he’ll probably hate me saying this, there is a bit of a softer side to him.
“He’s got a lot of time for everyone. So I think, in terms of building relationships, I’d say this is probably the closest I’ve felt to him on a personal level, and I’m sure 14 other lads would say that as well.
“So I think Gengey brings everyone together, and you know, he’s just been on the British (and Irish) Lions tour, so you listen when he speaks, and he leads by example, as well.”
The secret to Genge’s success
There’s no doubt that Bristol-born Genge is in the form of his life. He’s been terrific for the Bears, helping them to seven wins in their first nine matches of the PREM season. He’s also been a major factor in England’s resurgence over the past couple of years, and was a first-choice prop on the recent British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
All these achievements could be the result of years of continued experience, physical growth and honed skills, or, as Williams puts it, it could be “something stupid”.
“I think he’s gone to being vegetarian the day before a game or something stupid. He thinks it’s working for him,” said the 28-year-old. “He’s putting it down to not eating meat.”
Elite sportspeople need to be in the best possible shape to compete at the highest levels, so with Genge now one of the more senior players in the league, he will need to look after himself nutritionally now more than ever.
Whether the new meal plan is working for him or not, there’s no doubt that he’s in the form of his life.
The “harder edge” Bristol Bears
Speaking to the man himself, Genge insisted that the entire squad now have a “harder edge” to them after their Premiership semi-final defeat last season.
When asked about that defeat to Bath, Genge said: “It’s one of them innit, sport.
“To be honest, I think we came out the blocks in that semi, 14-nil up, and then, for whatever reason, it slipped away.
“So I say, if we played that game again, it would be a different result. We’ve got a harder edge to us, I think we really appreciate that part of the game.
“Bath are obviously a great team and in a semi-final it’s whoever turns up on the day. Credit to them, on the day, they were brilliant.”
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