Rugby-Injury pushes England scrumhalf Ellis into retirement

LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) - Former England scrumhalf Harry Ellis has announced his retirement from rugby due to a series of knee problems.

Ellis, 28, last appeared for his country in a 26-12 win over Scotland in March 2009 and England manager Martin Johnson paid tribute to the talented Leicester player.

"I'm sure that if he'd been fit Harry would have continued to make a huge contribution to his club and country for many years to come," Johnson said in a Rugby Football Union (RFU) statement on Thursday.

Ellis had knee reconstruction in 2007 after being injured, sidelining him for 10 months and ruling him out of that year's World Cup where England lost in the final to South Africa.

Since then he has struggled to regain full fitness.

"From the first time he was involved it was obvious to everyone in the Tigers squad that he was a special talent and that he'd make a big impact for Leicester and England," former team mate Johnson said.

Ellis won 27 caps for England and scored five tries, after making his debut at the age of 22 in a 32-16 win against South Africa in November 2004.

(Reporting by Tom Pilcher, Editing by Clare Fallon; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)