Ellas launch management group
December 6, 2001

The Ella brothers - Mark, Glen and Gary - have launched their own sports management company, Ella Management and Events, but insist there will be no conflict of interest.

Glen is an assistant coach with the Wallabies, Gary fulfils a similar role with the Waratahs and Mark is touted as a potential Super 12 and Wallaby mentor, and Mark says the three will have no problem separating their dual roles.

"Yes, we've got to be a little bit careful how we approach it," Mark said. "Glen and Gary have told their employees they won't solicit business from current players. If there is some interest (in a player signing) I'll look after it."

"What we don't want to do and what we can't afford to do is poach players."

The threesome's stable currently includes V8 Supercar driver Dean Canto and pro golfer Geraldine Brown, but with negotiations occurring with some high-profile stars, they will target artists and entertainers, as well as people from the Aboriginal community.

With a fourth Australian team in the Super 12 competition on the agenda, Mark Ella is keen to put his hat in the ring should it happen, while he also harbours ambitions to one day lead the national team.

"Hopefully he'll (Eddie Jones) be Wallaby coach for quite a few years yet, but I've got ambitions," Ella said. "You've got to be in the right position at the right time and that's where I plan to be."

After the Wallabies' recent poor run on their European Tour when they lost to England and France and enjoyed what could only be described as a scratchy win over Wales, Ella says the team hasn't gone backwards, rather the rest of the world is catching up.

"We need to make changes across the board," he said. "We need to develop a new style of play and re-invigorate the Wallabies. I think we've been playing a certain pattern for a few years now and it's become a bit old."

"I think we'll see a number of changes next year in terms of personnel and the way the Wallabies are managed. But I've got confidence these guys will bounce back."

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