Marc Ellis (rugby footballer)
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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 has recently released his autobiography, "Crossing the Line", which details all aspects of his life.
Ellis has long courted controversy.
- In 2005 he purchased ecstasy tablets from a drug dealer who was under surveillance by the New Zealand Police. Ellis was among many high-profile figures caught in the operation, code-named Aqua. His court appearance put an end to a poorly-kept secret, as despite the fact he had originally obtained name suppression, his identity was widely known by the New Zealand public. 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 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.
- During the show where he appeared intoxicated, Ellis set up a rugby ball and proceeded to kick it into the head of a female audience member sitting only a few meters away from him. He was not fired and continued to work on the show up until the final episode, where the whole incident was played again on live television.
- November 15, 2007 Ellis detonated 600 kilos of explosives on top of Rangitoto Island, a nature reserve in Auckland harbor, as part of an elaborate marketing ploy for his latest business venture. This was widely regarded as callous as it was potentially harmful to the islands Native wildlife and forest. The New Zealand Department of Conservation described the stunt as "demoralising and very disappointing". There is a total fire ban on the island because of ecological significance. At the time of writing NZDOC was investigating Ellis and was looking at seeking further legal advice on whether it can take the matter to court.
- The Listener 2004 Power List: Ellis is listed as no. 49. Retrieved 27 August 2005.
- Marc Ellis pays big price for ecstasy. Retrieved 27 August 2005.
- Sports Comedy Shows and New Lad Culture in NZ. Retrieved 30 November 2006 from www.sportsfreak.co.nz.
- Marc Ellis joins the Hare Krishnas New Zealand Herald- May 27, 2007