Ellis Jenkins was born in Church Village and spent his early years in Beddau. Educated at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School, Jenkins started his sporting life playing football for Llantwit Fardre, it was at the age of 12 he first gave rugby a try.

Jenkins played for all the Blues age grades and won the Welsh Championship every year he was in the squad. His performance at regional level saw him promoted to captain of the Blues U18 squad and then on to Wales. He was integral to the U20 Junior World Cup team in South Africa in 2011/12, who were the first team to beat New Zealand at U20 level, earning them a spot in the Semi-final. Since returning from the Junior World Cup, has been based in the Blues Academy but is currently training with senior Blues side on invitation. Having completed his A-levels, Jenkins is putting his academic career on hold to focus on rugby but looks to study engineering in the future.