Rugby: Ellis' long, varied career at an end

By WYNNE GRAY

Balance is something Marc Ellis talks about a lot.

As a sportsman of very natural talents Ellis had that quality in abundance as a dual international in rugby and rugby league, while he also showed entrepreneurial nous as he worked his way into the commercial world.

Some critics suggested Ellis' exuberance marred his equilibrium at times. They wondered at some of his antics on television or when the social beast in him took over.

Ellis will accept those observations, but is a strong believer in never having regrets.

"If you do then you will end up all bitter and twisted," he said yesterday.

Humour has been a regular companion for Ellis and it was there again yesterday as he announced the end of his decade-long rugby career.

The day before, on his 29th birthday, Ellis watched his chances of an NPC semifinal with North Harbour disappear as Taranaki won through to the final four.

"I always said I wouldn't be playing rugby when I was 30, I wanted to get out before I was asked to," he said.

Harbour had not made any suggestions. Indeed, chief executive Doug Rollerson noted Ellis' great contribution to his union and had been hoping he would play another season.

But the utility back, who played eight tests for the All Blacks and six rugby league tests for the Kiwis, is working on the launch of a business project, something he hopes to announce about the end of the month.

"I always wanted to look outside rugby. I don't think I am cut out for coaching or administration," he said.

The larrikin in Ellis was apparent as he left Wellington and made the Otago side in his first year out of school, in 1991. He came off the wing with some withering moves as Otago won the NPC, and was a serious mover in scarfie social circles as well.

"We got the balance right, down there. It was great footy and great fun. Guys such as Steve Hotton and Mike Brewer ... it was a great time and a highlight of my career," he recalled.

Ten years on and Ellis feels sport is becoming too much like a job.

"You have to create the right environment to get the best out of teams in these professional days. You have got to defuse some of the intensity because it can detract from the enjoyment.

"I think it has probably lost its lustre and the reality hit home in my second year with the Warriors. It was very hard work and you are very accountable."

In that decade, Ellis became an All Black as a wing and centre, and made his test debut on the 1993 tour of England and Scotland as first five-eigthths.

"I played all my school footie there and I was encouraged by it.

"But we lost to England. That was a stone in my back. My tactical kicking needed some work and then I got a nasty injury the next year and that was it," he said.

At the 1995 World Cup, Ellis scored an All Black record of six tries in the test against Japan, before switching to the Warriors and Super League when he moved to Auckland.

A final two-year rugby burst with Harbour ended yesterday when, clad in suit and tie, he announced the end of his sports career. The transition was serious, it was time to get down to work, he said with that ubiquitous smile.