Fraser-Tech veteran still assisting team

One of the province's most consistent midfielders celebrates his birthday on Sunday and he'll be hoping for an early present in the form of a Fraser-Tech victory on the opening weekend of club rugby.

Chris Ellis, the veteran of 110 games for Waikato between 1980 and 1992, turns 53 this weekend and the former Fraser-Tech stalwart still has an involvement in rugby, but to a lesser extent than he has had in the past.

After playing for the club and then coaching them to a championship win in 2000, Ellis is now helping out with the recruitment side of things and he enjoys the good standard of play that is on display.

"I go along, I wouldn't say every week, but I watch a fair bit of it and it's very enjoyable," Ellis said.

He is also a handy parent helper for his son's St Paul's Collegiate 1st XV side, and admits he has no aspirations of reigniting his coaching.

"Not at all. Those days are gone, I just help out now.

"You've got to have some little interest don't you?"

After scoring 33 four-point tries for the Mooloo men, Ellis is now a blueberry farmer in Newstead.

"It keeps me out of trouble.

"I spend most of my time on the farm and when I'm free I go and help with a bit of footy or go and relax down the beach," he said.

His weekends are now more pain-free experiences too.

"You don't have to rush everywhere and (it's good) to be able to wake up on a Sunday morning without having to get a doctor to move your legs and arms because you're battered and bruised."

Ellis also still takes a keen interest in the top level matches.

"When a good game's on we'll watch it. But I can't keep up with the laws, that's killing the game," Ellis said.

He keeps in touch with a few former mates from rugby, particularly Richard Loe, who was in town a couple of weeks ago, supporting his daughters' rowing.

The positive memories from Ellis' days on the field, included a season playing in Empangeni in Natal in 1985, which came as an invitation after the 1981 Springbok tour was cancelled.

Early in his career he was also part of a memorable time with the Log o' Wood.

"I think the Ranfurly Shield back in the 1980s would have been one of the great times.

"And just all the times you were playing while you were younger, when you could run around and do all of those things that you possibly are not going to be able to do when you get old," Ellis said.

- © Fairfax NZ News