Having featured in nine of the last 10 games for Tigers following a 10-month absence, the 25-year-old will not be joining England on their tour of New Zealand this summer.
Ellis is one of a number of players, including team-mate Louis Deacon, Wasps duo Josh Lewsey and Simon Shaw, Gloucester’s James Simpson-Daniel and Sale’s Mark Cueto who have been given the summer off by new England manager Martin Johnson.
“I spoke to Johnno and it’s in my best interests to stay at home and I’ve obviously got to listen to the opinions of the physios,” said Ellis.
“There’s nothing wrong with the knee, I’ll just be working with the physios in rehab. I’ll have a little bit of time off but I’ll come back early for pre-season to do more rehab.
“It’s just a case of making the knee even better than it already is. I’ve played a lot rugby since I came back and I just need to make sure I start next season as well as I can. If that means me not touring, then that’s what needs to happen.”
