 In March 2010, he confirmed he had activated a get-out clause in his NZRU contract to sign a three-year deal to play for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Top League.His agent reported that the deal was made in order to secure the financial future of Ellison's family.In 2011, it was confirmed that Ellison had signed with the Highlanders for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.