Marc Ellis (rugby)

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Marc Christopher Gwynne Ellis (born October 8, 1971) is a former New Zealand rugby league and rugby union player, businessman, and television presenter. His primary business interests are in Charlie's, a juice company. Ellis is a graduate of the University of Otago. He gained infamy in 2005 for purchasing drugs from a dealer who was under surveillance by the New Zealand Police.

During the 1995 Rugby World Cup he scored 6 tries in a game against Japan, which is the world record for the most tries by an individual in an international rugby match.

He have recently released his autobiography, "Crossing the Line", which details every aspects of his life.

[edit] Controversy

Ellis has long courted controversy. Despite his various indiscretions, he has remained a popular figure in New Zealand society. His persona is associated with the typical 'lad' whose youthful indiscretions are to be quickly forgiven. Well known indiscretions have included the following.

  • Purchasing ecstasy tablets from a drug dealer who was under surveillance by the New Zealand Police. He was among many high-profile figures caught in the operation, dubbed Aqua. His court appearance ended what was considered among the worst kept secrets in New Zealand, as despite name suppression prohibiting publication of his name, his identity was widely known in New Zealand. Ellis was fined $300.
  • On the television show Sports Café, then on Sky Television, he used the phrase "sweating like a rapist", denounced by organisations including Rape Crisis. Ellis later apologised.
  • Ellis promoted streaking at televised sports fixtures to promote his 'Nude Day' event. Ellis offered to reimburse streakers for any fines they received if they made a successful run. Police labelled his acts as irresponsible and childish, though no formal charges were laid.
  • Ellis allegedly slept with every girl on his University Hostel floor. (He has stated that this rumour is false, as there were "...some ugly ones" which he did not sleep with.
  • Ellis once appeared on the television show Sports Café so intoxicated he could barely speak. Some sceptical members of the media argued that Ellis's appearance was faked in order to boost the television show's flagging ratings. Ellis claimed on the final show of the series that he was, in fact, intoxicated.

[edit] See also

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