Tom Ellis, a versatile forward who was on loan at Saracens and played for 80 minutes against Sale Sharks in March, has been signed by the Sharks on a contract that will run until the end of the 2023/24 Premiership season.
The 28-year-old, who came through the academy at Bath and played more than 100 games for his childhood club, will join Alex Sanderson's squad immediately to prepare for the season's end.
Ellis played alongside Sharks teammate George Ford at Bath. In January, he joined Saracens to fill in for Six Nations players.
Tom said: “I’m really happy to be here. From the outside it’s clear that this is a team and a club that’s on the up and I think the style of play here suits me.
“I played with George Ford at Bath and got to know some of the other lads in England camps and having some familiar faces around will really help me settle in.
“My last game was for Saracens at the AJ Bell and I got a taste of what an amazing atmosphere the fans create in the stadium.
“I also saw first hand how good this team is and I can’t wait to run out with the lads. I think with the quality we’ve got here we can achieve something special.”
“We never got on” – Joe Marler on three rugby stars he can’t stand
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Israel Folau
Over 1,000 days since Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, Marler's old Twitter sparring partner made his return to the sport over the weekend.
The loose-head prop takes any chance he can to call out the former Wallabies fullback, who could soon represent Tonga, for his homophobic views.
In a series of tweets sent directly to Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing, in a display of defiant humour which was praised by fellow players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later named Folau in his dream team in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, "On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I'd take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster... a couple of clubs."
#2. Marland Yarde
The winger dramatically left Harlequins in 2017 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in an unusual mid-season move.
Marler said: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months,
“I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. And let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it
“He’d made the decision that he wanted to leave…you know, all the best to him. I wish him all the best. I don’t wish nastiness upon anyone.
“He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
#3. Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward tore apart Eddie Jones' side during a webinar, slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference prior to the loss against South Africa back in November. This wasn't the first time the 2003 World Cup-winning coach called out the prop.
After reading an article on the Rugby Pass website highlighting Woodward's comments, he tweeted him directly, saying: "Change the record Sir Clive - you should be grateful you can 'milk the cow' for another 3 years."
