Bristol boss Pat Lam explains 'no brainer' Ellis Genge decision

Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam admits that it was a ‘no-brainer’ giving Ellis Genge a week off for the visit of unbeaten Gallagher PREM Rugby leaders Northampton Saints to Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.

Lam says that his star loosehead, who had to miss one of the next three weeks, has gone away with his family after a busy Autumn Nations Series that saw him play in all four of England’s games.

He came off the bench and made outstanding contributions for the wins over Australia and the All Blacks, and started the win over Fiji, scoring a try and then last Sunday’s victory over Argentina.

Genge has only played twice for the Bears this season, against Exeter and at Bath, because of his involvement on the Lions tour, but will be available for the Champions Cup trip to Parc y Scarlets in nine days.

“Gengy is having his break now. It was a no-brainer. I’ve been there in international rugby. It’s not just the physical part of it. When you are a leader, you don’t just finish training, go to your room and go out for coffee.

“There is so much you have got to do, it’s taxing, you have to refresh. Yes, we could have put Ellis in this weekend, but it doesn’t work like that. You have to work player by player, and each player is slightly different.

“I thought he was outstanding. He is a big leader there and brings lots of energy. And I just know that we would not have got the best version of Ellis Genge if he came back for this game.

“I always have a lot of confidence in the guys that are here, but I believe the Ellis that we will get back after a break, leading and driving on and off the field in the most physical position, will be the best version next week,” said Lam.