Ellis out of World Cup reckoning as he retires from England duty

The 32-year-old Hull second rower reached his decision following talks with England coach Steve McNamara and officials at his club, where he will now devote the rest of his career.

“It’s no secret that I’m heading towards the latter part of my career and, after picking up untimely knocks over the last couple of years, I feel it is time for me to focus on my club,” said Ellis, who has played 22 games for England, as well as winning 17 caps for Great Britain.

“It will allow me more time to rest up and recover before taking part in a full pre-season, something I haven’t done since 2002 ,and hit the ground running in 2014.

“It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for a long time and it’s been a very tough call to make as I was always very proud to represent England and it will be extremely disappointing to miss the World Cup.

“I feel this could be the strongest England team for some years, but after 12 years I’ve had my opportunities on the international scene and I want to focus on a big year for Hull FC.”

Ellis, the former Leeds and Wakefield player, joined Hull on a three-year contract at the start of the year after ending a successful four-year stint in the NRL with Wests Tigers. He missed the first three months of the season with a foot injury sustained in the warm-up ahead of the opening game but recovered in time to play for England in the mid-season match against the Exiles and captained Hull to the Challenge Cup final.

“We made it to Wembley this year which was a great achievement, but I want to be there again next year and the year after,” Ellis added.

“I want to be able to play my part for the club week in and week out, and make a contribution to help us achieve things and I feel the best way for me to do that now is to retire from international rugby.”

McNamara, who will announce his 24-man squad next Tuesday, said: “We fully understand the reasons behind his decision and wish him all the very best for the future.”