The Welsh centre, with 25 first-team tries to his name, has proved a revelation since debuting while still at Reading University in December 2017.
And commenting on his achievement, Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds beamed: “It’s fantastic.
“I remember we had an issue in midfield heading down to Canterbury many years ago, and I was the only one who’d really seen him play for the university.
“I believed he’d step up to the level and perform. It doesn’t always happen, but he’s a very smart player with attributes across the board and he’s learnt from Stevie Bryant about how to run the defensive side.”
‘A mainstay of the group’
He continued: “He adapted so well, and now with guys like George Tomlinson, Harry Judd and others, hopefully eight years on we’ve got another crop of university lads coming through.
“They can take Ellis as an example in what you can achieve, because he’s been a wonderful addition to the side and a mainstay of the group.”
Bristol-based Clifton arrive at Old Bath Road second-bottom in the table after a run of four defeats, but it took a 79th-minute Luke Graham try to edge Rams home earlier in the season.
Clifton strong in all departments
Seb revealed: “It was a very tough game against a good side. They’re always decent up front, have some very good width in attack and look dangerous.
“It’s another fixture which shows what this level is about, every week is a different challenge – whether it’s the conditions, the style of the opposition – and we’re continuing to try and find consistency.”
Stapley and Rhoads return
The hosts make two changes to the starting line-up with second row Connor Stapley and Oli Rhoads back to fitness.
And the Head Coach said: “It’s great to have them back, they weren’t far off at Birmingham and now they’re fresh.
“It’s a real credit to Oli in the development he’s had this year – if it had happened 12 months ago, he might have had a period out of the side.
“But his performances have earnt him the right to come straight back in.”
With Reading University’s meteorological department making national news by recording 39 consecutive days of consecutive rain, there is hope it could end tomorrow.
Reflecting on what has been a grim five weeks weather-wise, Seb ended by keeping his fingers crossed for supporters seeking some sunshine.
He closed: “We play a winter sport, so it would be silly to think it could always be played in the sunshine.
“I always affectionately remember Turkey (Sean McDonnell-Roberts) saying he loved it when it rained, and there are others.
“I believe we’ve done well in this wet period and played some good rugby, which is good.
“But obviously for spectators coming through the gate and enjoying themselves, getting some more beer sold, having the sun on your back is good.
“Hopefully it happens!”
For tickets to tomorrow’s game (discounted before matchday), click here
