New England Patriots' Nate Ebner to represent USA Rugby at Rio Olympics

New England Patriots player Nate Ebner has been named in the United States' rugby sevens squad for next month's Rio Olympics.

Ebner was part of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning team in 2015. The 27-year-old, who will return to the Patriots after Rio, was given leave to pursue his sevens ambition earlier this year.

When Ebner was aged 17, he became the youngest player to play on the US rugby sevens team and also represented the US in 15-a-side rugby at under-19 and under-20 levels.

New England drafted Ebner in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft after he impressed playing special teams for Ohio State under the guidance of former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel. Ebner walked onto the Buckeyes team in his junior season despite never playing high school football.

Ebner's inclusion is in contrast to some other high profile stars who attempted to use rugby sevens as a platform to compete in Rio.

Decorated South Africa wing Bryan Habana and Australia fly-half Quade Cooper failed to make their respective countries' squads. Former Australia rugby league star and San Francisco 49ers convert Jarryd Hayne did not make the Fiji squad, after leaving the NFL in a late attempt at selection.

Ebner will follow in the footsteps of Herschel Walker by competing in the Olympics after playing in the NFL. Walker competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics in two-man bobsled, finishing seventh.

Former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best will also achieve the feat in Rio de Janeiro when he competes for St Lucia in the 100 metres.

USA Rugby announced a 12-man squad for the Games that also includes Saracens wing Chris Wyles and renowned speed merchant Carlin Isles.

The squad will be coached by former Wasps scrum-half and England sevens international Mike Friday, whose support staff includes ex-England hooker Phil Greening.

Friday said: "While we are not the pre-tournament favourites like Fiji, who have to play with that expectation, we are a team who are hugely respected and feared by all other countries as genuine contenders.

"The boys recognise the magnitude of the task, but are confident that we can be medal contenders if we play to our ability."