Versatile prop gets hand from Genge & Sinckler

BRISTOL’S Rhys Charalambous believes spending time with Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler this season is helping to drive his development.

The prop, who can play on both sides of the front row, scored within seconds of his London Scottish debut in the win over Hartpury this month – being loaned to help the Exiles’ push for survival.

The 23-year-old was signed by Pat Lam last summer but spent most of this season on loan at National 2 West side Clifton. He said: “I’ve looked up to Ellis, he’s an incredible athlete and player. He’s a nice guy, he looks after the younger lads and gives them tips. Kyle’s the same. They are action-orientated and do their talking on the pitch.

“Being in an environment with those two has been incredible for my development, on and off the pitch. I’ve really enjoyed it, I’m very grateful, and I’m looking to making the most of it for the future.”

From Norfolk with half-German and halfGreek Cypriot heritage, Charalambous’ has taken an unorthodox route before being signed by Lam.

He was part of Norwich City’s football academy until he was 12, spent two years with Northampton Saints academy, before five years at Leeds Beckett University in the BUCS league.

He said: “I played football until they told me to lose weight, and I thought ‘nah, I like my food too much’, as food’s a massive part of my family’s culture. I then started playing rugby for West Norfolk, a small club, absolutely loved it, and I’ve not looked back.

“Signing with Bristol was out of the blue, I played for Beckett against Hartpury, then my coach said ‘I’ve just got off the phone to Pat Lam, they’re keen for you to go down’, that was a wow moment.

“It’s a tough environment, if you’re not at your best every day then you won’t find yourself in the first team. Hopefully this opportunity at Scottish will prove to be good. I want to play as high as I can, in the Premiership and for England, that’s the dream.”