England scrum-half Harry Ellis has been ruled out of the World Cup with knee ligament damage.

Ellis suffered the injury in Leicester's Guinness Premiership semi-final victory over Bristol on May 5th and is to undergo surgery later this week.

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "This is a major blow to Harry, to Leicester given that they are aiming for a treble with the Heineken Cup final and to England for the World Cup.

"Harry was a key figure for us in the Six Nations and he will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best for a full recovery."

Ellis was consistently England's best player during the Six Nations and his absence will be a major blow for Ashton.

England are already sweating over the fitness of centre Mike Tindall and number eight Dan Ward-Smith, who Ashton has described as "borderline" chances of making the World Cup.

Ellis' injury opens the door for one of Peter Richards, Shaun Perry or Andy Gomarsall to lay claim to the number nine jersey during England's two-Test tour of South Africa.