Prop Ellis Genge revealed bulking up has helped him earned his place in the British & Irish Lions team to face Australia in the first Test on Saturday.
The 30-year-old England loosehead has been one of the Lions’ star performers at the scrum during the tour, having bulked up in recent years to help him become world-class in that department.
Genge is still capable of making those explosive bursts with ball in hand that marked him out as a youngster – one such carry laid the platform for Tadhg Beirne’s try against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in the 2025 Lions’ opening game.
This is despite the Bristol Bears man claiming he may have lost a yard or two of pace as a result of the extra weight he carries around these days.
Genge said: “When you saw me burst on the scene at 21, I was 114-115 kilos and I could actually move quite fast. I was 126kg two days ago, so I’m heavier now and it’s all downhill from here!
“I was getting pretty knackered doing the carrying, scrummaging, the kick-chase and all that.
“I was trying to push 115kg and it doesn’t sound like much difference, a stone and a bit, but the energy reserves you get from piling a lot more grub into you go a long way.
‘I’ve gymmed a bit harder and taken my weights more seriously. I’ve always relied on athleticism, but the game has changed now.
“I was probably one of the first crop of players who were quite explosive and athletic for a prop, but they are everywhere now, so you’ve almost got to double down on it.
“I used to eat for comfort and that was it. I've bulked up a bit just with meals and eating a bit more often. I'm a grazer so would have lots of snacks through the day, but it's big meals now.”
This is Genge’s first visit to Australia since he toured with England in 2022 and he will want a similar outcome to his previous match at Suncorp Stadium when the Wallabies were defeated 25-17.
Genge was dominant at the scrum at Brisbane in what was a huge response to losing the first Test 30-28 and proved a turning point as England went on to win the series.
“I was in a good spot. If I can get to there again, I will be over the moon,” Genge said.
“I played quite well. We were quite fired up as a team that week.
“Obviously, we lost the first Test. I was vice-captain on that tour and felt quite a bit of responsibility.
“It feels quite numbing to get to that emotional state. The comedown you have after it is quite monumental. You don’t sleep a wink. Fingers crossed I get there on Saturday.”
