Leicester's concern for Harry Ellis, their England scrum half, is such that they are considering sending him to Munich to consult the specialist who has kept many of Germany's leading footballers in good health. Hans Müller-Wohlfarth, a specialist in groin surgery but also an authority on knees and backs, has found the healing touch for Will Greenwood and Austin Healey, the former Leicester players.

Ellis, 26, damaged the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee in May last year and returned to rugby in March. He started this season but the knee remains sore and he has missed the past two games, including Friday's defeat by London Wasps.

Leicester hoped it would prove to be a case of careful management, but Peter Tom, the chairman, confirmed that further precautions might be required.

Tom also suggested that Louis Deacon, the club's England lock who has been out since March with a back injury, would be sent to consult Müller-Wohlfarth.

The 2007 RBS Six Nations Championship was Ellis's best in an England jersey and, in his absence, six players - Andy Gomarsall, Shaun Perry, Peter Richards, Richard Wigglesworth, Paul Hodgson and Danny Care - have appeared at No9, with Care, the exciting Harlequin, the sitting tenant.

A visit to Müller-Wohlfarth's clinic also helped Gavin Henson back after a long battle with a groin injury and the Wales midfield player made his first appearance for five months during the Ospreys' 43-0 defeat of Ulster in the Magners League on Saturday. Henson damaged an ankle in last April's EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat of Saracens and his return is timely since the Ospreys open their defence of the cup against Harlequins on Sunday. Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, watched Henson's reappearance at the Liberty Stadium.

Roger Vanderfield, who was chairman of the IRB when the feasibility study into the first World Cup of 1987 was launched, has died aged 80.