Ellis Genge Warns of Wales’ Threat in Six Nations Opener
Ellis Genge, the loose-head prop for England, is set to play in the Six Nations opener this Saturday. He will be joined by Bevan Rodd on the substitutes’ bench. A series of injuries have impacted the England front row, including players Will Stuart, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, and Fin Baxter. As a result, uncapped players Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela from Bath and Emmanuel Iyogun from Northampton have been called up to the squad.
England’s Rising Stars in the Six Nations
Billy Sela, just 20 years old, has experienced a rapid rise in his rugby career. He was part of England’s under-20 team that secured the world title in July 2024. Despite his achievements, Sela has faced challenges in breaking into senior play due to competition from established tight-head options like Thomas du Toit and Archie Griffin.
- Sela has made three league starts this season.
- He also participated in two matches in the Investec Champions Cup.
Genge’s Insights on the New Generation
Ellis Genge, who debuted against Wales in May 2016 at the age of 21, believes that the new generation of front-row talent is better equipped for the rigors of Test match rugby. He highlighted the physical attributes of the upcoming players, stating, “They are big lumps, not like when we were younger.”
Genge noted the impressive size and strength of players like Sela. “Billy is bigger than me, I think – size 15 feet,” he remarked. He emphasized that today’s young players are not only ready but also have substantial competitive experience in the Premiership.
“In the front row, you need to be a bit gnarly,” Genge added. He acknowledged that while it is challenging to accelerate the development of new players, he is confident they are prepared to step up to the challenge.
Conclusion
The Six Nations opener promises to showcase new talent in the England squad. With young players like Sela and Iyogun stepping in, the team’s future looks promising. As Ellis Genge leads the way, fans can expect an exciting match ahead.
