Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Injured Genge is facing weeks on the sidelines
ENGLAND prop Ellis Genge has suffered a training ground injury which is expected to rule him out of club duty for Bristol Bears for several weeks.
Genge, who put in his best display of the season so far for the Bears last Saturday as he scored a try in their 51-26 thrashing of Gloucester, has suffered a hamstring injury as the Bears were preparing to face Lyon at Ashton Gate today in the first game of the European Champions Cup.
Jake Woolmore will therefore start in his place, with Sam Grahamslaw, who was signed as injury cover from Jersey Reds earlier this season, on the bench.
A Bristol statement said: “Ellis Genge picked up a hamstring injury in training but is expected to return to action ahead of England’s 2024 Six Nations campaign.”
With England captain Owen Farrell taking a break from international rugby to protect his and his family’s mental health, and Northampton’s Courtney Lawes announcing his international retirement, Genge is a leading contender to skipper the Red Rose at the Six Nations.
The 28-year-old loosehead has led England in the past year and was Steve Borthwick’s captain at Leicester when they won the Premiership in 2022 before returning to his hometown club, and Borthwick became national team head coach.
While Genge is missing, Magnus Bradbury returns from injury for the clash against Lyon.
The Scotland international lines up at number eight in a back row alongside Steven Luatua and Fitz Harding.
Director of rugby Pat Lam names an unchanged back line to take on the Top 14 side while, on the bench, Sam Wolstenholme replaces the injured Kieran Marmion.
For Lyon, former Bristol favourite Semi Radradra lines up at inside centre.
Lam said: “We’ve spoken a lot about the excitement and privilege of playing in the Champions Cup and challenging ourselves against some of the best sides in Europe.
“We know the challenge that Lyon will pose, but we’re looking forward to taking on a quality outfit.”
Charlie Ewels will make his 150th appearance for Bath Rugby when the Blue, Black & Whites tackle Ulster at the Rec this afternoon.
Joining him in the pack, are fellow lock Elliott Stooke, plus front rowers Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Will Stuart. Miles Reid, Sam Underhill and Alfie Barbeary complete the pack.
Ben Spencer and Finn Russell are again named as half-backs, with Cameron Redpath at inside centre and Ollie Lawrence at 13. Will Muir, Joe Cokanasiga and Matt Gallagher are the back three.
Among the replacements are former Ulster man Niall Annett and the influential GJ van Velze.