With World Cup winner Matt Dawson and Gloucester's Andy Gomarsall, another World Cup squad member, waiting in the wings, Ellis admits that can be no let up in his performances if he is also to secure a place on the summer tour to New Zealand.

"Matt's a highly-experienced excellent player and when he's come on he has played exceptionally well," said Ellis.

"It's not just him and Gomarsall. With the quality in the Premiership there's always pressure. You can't rest on your laurels."

Ellis is grateful that Sir Clive Woodward's successor has maintained faith in the new wave of up-and-coming stars, including himself, Jamie Noon, Mark Cueto, Olly Barkley and Charlie Hodgson.

But while some of the Six Nations side will land the big prize on the Lions trip to New Zealand, the rest will probably be heading to the Churchill Cup in Canada with England.

Ellis will be happy with either trip.

"I haven't really had time to think about that, I've just been concentrating on my rugby here," he said.

"If I'm selected for either of them I'll just be delighted to go."