Star Ellis to pass on scrum-half expertise

INTERNATIONAL star Harry Ellis will be putting local players through their paces at Foote's Lane next week. England's loss is Guernsey's gain as the international scrum half will be on hand to offer his wealth of knowledge and advice to the island's young stars during the week-long Ashburton Leicester Tigers rugby course, which starts on Monday.

Ellis, who had become England's first choice number nine last season, is currently rehabilitating after a major knee operation in May, which ruled him out of the World Cup.

On Wednesday evening he is also running a scrum-half coaching clinic for coaches and players at all levels.

That will be followed by the 'Ashburton Evening with Harry Ellis', which is an informal event in which he will answer questions from the floor. There will also be a raffle to raise money for the Matt Hampson Trust.

'It is a great opportunity for youngsters of all ages and abilities to learn a little more about rugby from some of the best coaches around, and at the same time have some fun,' said Geoff Renouf, the director of the Guernsey Rugby Academy.

'Without Ashburton's financial and organisational support, it would not have been possible to bring the Leicester coaches over.

'We hope this is just the start of a close relationship with Leicester Tigers, which can only be of benefit for the future of rugby on Guernsey.'

* A limited number of places are still available for the course and registration may still be possible on the day. The course runs from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-3.15pm each day with lunch.

However, for more information or to guarantee a place, contact Renouf on 242022.