Harry Ellis has been forced to hang up his boots © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Harry Ellis

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Teams: England | Leicester Tigers

Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis has been forced to retire following a series of knee injuries.

The 28-year-old represented the Tigers 173 times during his senior career and retires a one-club man. He won 27 caps for England following his debut in 2004, his final international appearance coming in the British & Irish Lions' third Test victory over South Africa at Ellis Park in 2009.

He was forced to undergo a complete reconstruction of his left knee in 2007 and suffered another problem in the same knee last season. Having consulted highly-respected orthopaedic surgeon Andy Williams, Ellis had no choice but to call it a day.

"The most difficult decision for any player to make is about when they have to stop playing. But, after taking medical advice, unfortunately I have to announce my retirement," he said. "I've loved every minute of my rugby career with Leicester Tigers, England and the British & Irish Lions.

"This is not the way I wanted to end my career because I have always taken great enjoyment from the game of rugby and I have some very special memories. But now I will have to consider other options for the future and take on a new challenge."

Leicester coach Richard Cockerill paid tribute to the retiring Ellis, praising his contribution at his hometown club.

"Harry is a local lad who made a big impression when he first broke into the Tigers team as a teenager," he said. "He has always had a great strength of character and was afraid of nothing when he wore a Tigers shirt. It is always a sad day when injury ends the career of any player, and Harry has been a valuable and popular member of the squad here for almost 10 years."

England manager Martin Johnson, who played alongside Ellis at Welford Road in the latter stages of his own career, admitted he would be missed by club and country.

"I was sorry to hear the news about Harry having to retire from the game because of injury," said Johnson. "Harry has been an excellent player who always gave everything for Leicester and England. I'm sure that if he'd been fit Harry would have continued to make a huge contribution to Leicester and England for many years to come."