"I'm surprised England talisman isn't a d***head - everyone loves him"

British and Irish Lions star Dan Sheehan has been taken aback by new team-mate Ellis Genge and admits he's surprised "that he’s not a dickhead.” The Ireland hooker and the England prop - rivals in recent years - are now colleagues.

Sheehan has become one of the world's best in his position and is among the frontrunners to start the First Test in Australia. Genge, one of the talismanic leaders for England, is pushing his case to get the nod at prop and the Irishman has been pleasantly surprised by his foe turned friend.

Andy Farrell's Lions squad is Irish heavy but Genge is one of a number of Englishman in the squad and was a standout during Friday night's disappointing loss to Argentina in Dublin.

The Bristol Bears star has been a divisive character and is known for his aggression. Sheehan admits he is someone he and the Irish would target when they clash in the Six Nations. But those battles are put aside this summer with the whole squad embracing each other.

Sheehan said: “It’s mad how fast you can go from despising people to hanging around to go for a coffee with them! It’s probably just that rugby blokes are good blokes, you can turn on the hatred when you want it.

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“Genge is obviously a passionate, animated player for England and someone who we, as Ireland, would consider as a talisman and someone, in an Irish jersey, we’d need to target.

“He’s one person you enjoy having on the team. And he’s a funny bloke off the pitch. I think everyone loves him. You can see the passion he brings to meetings, to pitch straight in and scrum. He’s one person you enjoy having on your side now. He’s very real and says it how it is. He’s definitely someone that surprises you that he’s not a d***head.”

Genge has long been loved and admired by those who know him intimately. Footage has showed the English star taking a leadership role before Friday's clash, barking orders during the team huddle in the dressing room.

Sheehan watched on for that clash given he had just played in a final with Leinster six days earlier, which saw them win the URC. The Ireland hooker has recently become the forward with the most tries in Six Nations history such is his quality in attack.

He is likely to get his first run out on Saturday when the Lions play their first match on Australian soil against the Western Force in Perth - something he is relishing. He said: “I feel sometimes if you haven’t played yet you feel like a bit of an imposter. I want to feel I can contribute to the jersey just as others have had their chance.”