Tributes paid to Bristol Rugby player Ellis Joseph
Old Redcliffians RFC observed a minute of silence before their two games on Saturday out of respect for Ellis
Last updated 9th Feb 2025
Bristol rugby player, Ellis Joseph, passed on Friday 7th February at the age of 27, after battling with acute myeloid leukaemia.
His former club, Old Redcliffians RFC, announced that he passed away peacefully at his family home.
They wrote: "Ellis showed immense courage, and those who knew him will remember the bravery and strength he demonstrated throughout this difficult time.
"Remarkably, his sense of humour never wavered, and he remained the same comedic, light-hearted spirit we all loved".
A minute of silence was observed before Old Redcliffians RFC's games against Taunton and Chosen Hill on Saturday 8th February, with the team asking others to raise a glass in his memory.
His Rugby career highlights
Ellis began at Old Redcliffians when he was junior.
He earned over 100 national league caps with the team and was awarded Player's Player of the Season for the 2021-2022 campaign.
The team recalled Ellis scoring the winning try in the County Cup final against Chew Valley as a "cherished memory".
He was also selected to represent Somerset.
The #tryforEllis campaign
Ellis called on sports fans across the country to sign up to the stem cell register in the campaign #tryforEllis.
He needed a stem cell transplant to treat the aggressive acute myeloid leukaemia he had.
Ellis' mum, Clare Joseph, stated on the Anthony Nolan charity website that Ellis was passionate about raising awareness of the stem cell register, because they had no idea it was possible to donate stem cells.
"He's committed to spreading the word", she said.
The Old Redcliffians team wrote that the support for the campaign was "overwhelming".