Ellis Mee: Rising Star of Welsh Rugby
Ellis Mee is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising talents in Welsh rugby. At just 21 years old, this versatile player has made significant strides both on the club scene with the Scarlets and at the international level representing Wales. Balancing a burgeoning professional rugby career alongside his studies at Nottingham Trent University, Ellis Mee exemplifies dedication, resilience, and talent. This article explores his journey, background, and rising influence in Welsh rugby, answering key questions about who he is, his family, and his career trajectory.
Early Life and Background
How Old Is Ellis Mee?
Born on 6th October 2003, Ellis Mee is currently 21 years old. His age belies the maturity and skill he has already demonstrated on the rugby pitch, marking him out as a future star in Welsh rugby.
Is Ellis Mee Welsh?
Though Ellis Mee was born in Nottingham, England, he qualifies as Welsh through his mother, Karen, who hails from Newport, Wales. This familial connection allows him to proudly represent Wales on the international rugby stage. His Welsh heritage is a source of great pride for him, especially as he continues to establish his identity within the national team.
Family and Influence: Ellis Mee’s Parents and Dad
Ellis credits much of his rugby passion and success to his late father, Tony Mee. Tony was instrumental in introducing Ellis to the sport from a young age and was a significant influence on his development. Although Tony passed away, his legacy lives on through Ellis’s dedication and love for rugby. His mother, Karen, not only connects him to Wales but also supports his journey balancing academics and professional sport.
Education and Early Career
Academic Pursuits
Ellis Mee is currently a second-year student at Nottingham Trent University, pursuing a degree in Sports Science and Management. This academic choice complements his rugby career, giving him insight into sports performance, fitness, and the business side of sport. Throughout his studies, Ellis has also been a sports scholar, demonstrating his ability to manage both academic and athletic commitments effectively.
Early Rugby Experience
Before breaking into the professional scene, Ellis played rugby at various youth clubs, including Keyworth RFC and West Bridgford RFC. He also represented Nottingham Trent University’s rugby team in the competitive BUCS Super Rugby league, where his talent began to attract wider attention.
Professional Rugby Career
Nottingham Rugby
Ellis Mee began his professional rugby career with Nottingham Rugby Club, playing part-time between March 2023 and November 2024. During his time at Nottingham, he made 22 appearances and scored seven tries, showcasing his speed, agility, and scoring ability. His performances earned him multiple accolades, including Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Year, and Supporters’ Player of the Year—testament to his impact both on and off the field.
Scarlets Rugby
In June 2024, Ellis made a significant career move by signing with the Scarlets, one of Wales’ premier professional rugby union teams. Based in Llanelli, Wales, the Scarlets compete in the United Rugby Championship, providing Ellis with the platform to test and improve his skills at a higher level of competition. Since joining, he has played primarily as a wing and full-back, positions that suit his athleticism and tactical awareness.
Ellis’s debut for the Scarlets came in September 2024, and by December he had already scored his first try for the team. His performances have been praised for combining physicality with tactical intelligence, attributes that make him an exciting prospect for the club and Welsh rugby as a whole.
International Career: Ellis Mee and Wales Rugby
Wales National Rugby Union Team
Ellis Mee’s Welsh qualification through his mother opened the door for him to represent Wales at the international level. In 2025, he was called up to the Wales squad for the Six Nations Championship, one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. Making his debut against Ireland, Ellis impressed with his composure, skill, and work rate, earning praise from coaches, commentators, and former players alike.
His inclusion in the Welsh team is seen as part of a new generation of players tasked with carrying Welsh rugby forward. Ellis’s ability to play multiple backline positions adds valuable flexibility to the squad.
Role and Playing Style
Ellis is known for his versatility. While primarily a wing, he is also effective at full-back, offering safe hands under the high ball, counter-attacking skills, and strong defensive organisation. Standing at around 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 92kg, his physical presence is coupled with impressive speed and agility. This blend allows him to break defensive lines and support his teammates effectively.
His rugby intelligence is notable for a player so young. Ellis reads the game well, anticipates opposition moves, and executes tactical decisions that belie his age, making him a valuable asset to both club and country.
Balancing Rugby and Studies
While Ellis Mee is forging a professional rugby career, he remains committed to his academic ambitions. Managing the demands of full-time study alongside training and match commitments requires discipline, time management, and support from both his university and rugby clubs.
His choice to study Sports Science and Management aligns closely with his career, potentially preparing him for roles beyond his playing days in coaching, sports management, or fitness training.
The Future for Ellis Mee
Ellis Mee’s trajectory suggests a bright future in rugby. With a strong start at Nottingham Rugby and the Scarlets, combined with international exposure in the Wales squad, he is positioned to become a key figure in Welsh rugby over the coming years.
His combination of physical ability, technical skills, and mental toughness make him a player to watch. As he gains more experience at the professional and international levels, Ellis is expected to refine his game further and take on greater responsibility within his teams.
Moreover, his commitment to education hints at a well-rounded individual capable of adapting to various challenges both on and off the pitch.
Conclusion
Ellis Mee’s story is one of talent, hard work, and passion for rugby, intertwined with strong family influences and a clear sense of identity. At just 21, he has already made significant contributions to his clubs and the Welsh national team, proving his capabilities at the highest levels.
From his roots in Nottingham and his Welsh heritage through his mother to his academic pursuits at Nottingham Trent University, Ellis embodies the modern professional athlete’s balance between sport and personal development.
As he continues to grow as a player, Ellis Mee remains a hopeful prospect for Welsh rugby fans, symbolising the future of the sport in Wales and beyond.
