The Cardiff backrower put in a string of impressive performances at the start of this season to earn the accolade – and also bagged a first Pro12 starting berth for the Blues against Treviso on the weekend.
Cardiff were in the top three going into last weekend’s round of fixtures with wins in October over Neath, Newport and Swansea. During the month, Ellis also turned out for Pontypridd in their win over London Welsh in the British & Irish Cup.
He said: “The season’s going pretty well so far. We’re in a decent position in the league. It was good to get a string of wins, especially on the road and if we can remain in the hunt for a place in the play-offs at the end of the season that would be a huge achievement.
“It was nice to get a game for Pontypridd in the British & Irish Cup, especially in Dale McIntosh’s last game before joining the Blues as Dale has had such a big influence in my development as a player so far. To win that game with that performance was special and gave Chief the send-off he deserved.”
Ellis, who captained Wales Under 20 to the final of the Junior World Championship in June, says he is simply trying to knuckle down in his first season out of age grade rugby.
“I’ve just been trying to play as well as I can and improve my game week by week,” he added.
“It was great to get a first start for the Blues on the weekend and hopefully I can show what I can do at regional level too. I will try to take any opportunities that come my way in terms of breaking into the Blues first team.”
Cardiff Director of Rugby Martyn Fowler is full of praise for the young flanker. “Ellis is developing into a talented, all-round professional rugby player,” he said.
“He is technically and tactically astute, extremely mature and one of the best readers of the game I’ve come across. It was great for him to get a start for the Blues last weekend, I’m sure he will go on to prove himself at regional level in the not too distant future.”
Principality Building Society’s Queen Street branch manager, Maria Vidler, said: “Ellis had a fantastic season last year, captaining Wales Under 20 throughout the Six Nations and the Junior World Championship, and this season is no different. He has been a great asset to the Cardiff team this season, which has resulted in his call up to the Cardiff Blues. We wish him the best of luck this season.”
Ellis Jenkins fact file:
Born: 29.4.93, Church Village
Position: Flanker
Club: Cardiff
Education: Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive
Most admired player: Martyn Williams
Biggest influence on career: Dale McIntosh, Ellis’ coach for most of his age grade rugby, and parents.
