Tiger Ellis ready for new season

Leicester-born Ellis has collected 18 England caps so far

England and Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis has said he is looking forward to the new season with confidence.

The 26-year-old will have a new half-back partner against Gloucester with Toby Flood set to start the season as Springbok Derek Hougaard is injured.

And Ellis said: "It's early days but it's going well and we've played together for England before"

"I'm looking forward to it because we've had a good pre-season and we've got to be confident."

Ellis said he has been impressed with the new coaching team and singled out new backs coach Matt O'Connor for praise.

"He's got a lot of experience and has brought new shape, new patterns and it's really refreshing for a player to have that," he said.

Ellis added he is also pleased with his fitness this season after missing the start last season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which he damaged in the 2006/7 Premiership semi-final against Bristol.

"I feel very lean, very fit and strong," he added.

You can hear full commentary on Gloucester v Leicester Tigers on BBC Radio Leicester 104.9FM, DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leicester on Sunday.