Ellis is in the process of rebuilding his international career following knee ligament surgery that ruled him out for a 10-month period including the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He came on as a substitute for Danny Care in each of the autumn internationals and was subsequently named in Martin Johnson's first RBS 6 Nations squad. Ellis burst on to the Test scene in 2004 after a series of high-profile displays for Leicester in domestic and European competitions. An aggressive, all-action scrum-half, he made his Test debut early in Andy Robinson's coaching reign, and started the majority of games during England's 2005 and 2006 RBS 6 Nations campaigns. Injuries and a loss of form saw him slip down the pecking order, but his competitive instincts mean he will challenge Care this term and press strong claims for the No9 shirt.