Rugby Union - Six Nations - Bet Now at Bet365
International scrum-half turned student Harry Ellis has given his backing to England's under-fire scrum-half Ben Youngs.
Ellis, who was forced to retire prematurely from the game in January 2010 at the age of 28 due to persistent knee problems, believes that Youngs has plenty more good days ahead of him in the Red Rose jersey.
Youngs, a former team-mate of Ellis' during his playing days at Leicester, responded to criticism of his form in the Six Nations in the best possible way with a strong performance for the Tigers in their most recent Premiership win against Gloucester, which was capped by a trademark opportunist try. Leicester are now9/4to win the Aviva Premiership Grand Final with Gloucester at40/1.
"I've seen Ben Youngs have plenty more good games than bad for club and country," said Ellis, who is currently studying for a Sports Science & Coaching degree at Loughborough University.
"He's just had a couple of quiet games and when that happens people start to think you haven't played well. I suppose that just comes with the territory and is indicative of the society that we live in.
"It was good to see him playing well for Leicester and getting his confidence back and I'm sure we'll see him play many more good games for England in the future."
Youngs is part of the squad for Sunday's game against France at the Stade de France.
Les Bleus have not lost there in the Six Nations since England beat them in March 2025 - an unbeaten run stretching to ten games.
But Ellis is hopeful that England can repeat the success of four years ago. They are11/5to win the game, while France can be backed at2/5.
He added: "England have had a week off from a very, very physical game against Wales and that will have helped freshen them up. If they can match that level of physicality they have got a chance, although it is a very tough place to go and win."
View all Rugby Union betting at Bet365
