Jacob Ellison's rugby year has been pretty much wrecked by injury but it has had a nice finish.
Ellison, who joined Otago this season after a long stint in Wellington, suffered a bulging disc in his neck and missed most of the season.
But the mobile prop came back to play for Otago in the final few games of the season, including an impressive cameo appearance against Tasman in the semifinal.
His year continued on the upswing yesterday as he was named in the Maori All Black squad to tour England next month.
Ellison (27) was one of four props named by coach Jamie Joseph for the tour, which will include three matches in the middle of next month.
Bronson Murray, who has played for the Highlanders for the past couple of seasons, will be sharing the propping duties with Ellison, along with Chiefs Ben May and Ben Afeaki.
Other players in the squad with Highlanders connections are lock-loose forward Jarrad Hoeata, loose forward Nick Crosswell, fullback Kurt Baker and winger Kade Poki.
Hoeata and Poki are expected to be named in the Highlanders squad for 2013 when it is announced tomorrow but Baker and Murray are not expected to make the cut with the squad.
Crosswell has already announced he will be joining the Chiefs next season.
Maori All Blacks
For United Kingdom tour
Forwards: Hika Elliot, Quentin MacDonald, Ben May, Bronson Murray, Ben Afeaki, Jacob Ellison, Jarrad Hoeata, Jason Eaton, Romana Graham, Ross Filipo, Nick Crosswell, Tanerau Latimer (captain), Karl Lowe, Shane Christie.
Backs: Jamison Gibson-Park, Frae Wilson, Willie Ripia, Tim Bateman, Jackson Willison, Charles Ngatai, Declan O'Donnell, Andre Taylor, Kurt Baker, Trent Renata, Kade Poki.
