Former England scrumhalf Harry Ellis has announced that he has been forced to retire after failing to recover from a series of knee injuries.
Commenting on the retirement of Harry Ellis from the game because of injury England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: "I was sorry to hear the news about Harry having to retire from the game because of injury.
"Harry has been an excellent player who always gave everything for Leicester Tigers and England.
"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.
"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.
"On behalf of the England squad I'd like to wish Harry all the best for the future."
The scrum half won 27 England caps, making his debut at the age of 22 in the 32-16 win against South Africa on November 20, 2004.
His last appearance was in the 26-12 win over Scotland at Twickenham on March 21, 2009. He scored five tries for England, touching down twice against Italy in the 2009 6 Nations.
The 28-year-old Ellis made only 24 appearances for English champion Leicester Tigers since undergoing left knee reconstruction in 2007. He injured the same knee last season and has decided to quit after taking medical advice.
Ellis, who won 27 caps for England and played for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa last year, said Thursday it "was not the way I wanted to end my career" but that he had no option after consulting doctors.
The No. 9 was capped by England at every level and played all his career at the Tigers.
