[3] During the Auckland Rugby League's "district era" he represented Eastern United, a combination that included the Ellerslie club.
[4] In 1967, while playing for City-Newton, Ellwood won both the Lipscombe Cup and Rothville Trophy, Auckland's sportsman of the year and player of the year awards.
He was involved in several notable victories with Auckland, including being part of the sides that defeated Australia 13-8 in 1961, Great Britain 46-13 in 1962 and South Africa 10-4 in 1963.
[4] Ellwood was first selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 1963 and went on to play in seven test matches for New Zealand, starting at both fullback and stand off.
[citation needed] Ellwood later coached the Mount Wellington Warriors to a Phelan Shield victory.