South Africa's Bryan Habana misses out on Rio Olympics
Thursday 14 July 2016 14:39, UK
World Cup winner Bryan Habana has been left out of South Africa's Olympic rugby sevens squad for Rio 2016.
The Springboks wing had been given permission by Top 14 side Toulon to depart for this summer's tournament and was named in South Africa's initial training squad for the Olympics.
Habana, 33, was part of South Africa's 2007 World Cup winning squad, and in 2015 equalled Jonah Lomu's record of 15 tries in World Cups. But despite making 117 Test appearances for their 15-a-side team he will not be competing in Rio.
"My appreciation and gratitude for getting the opportunity to have been a part of the @blitzboks #RoadToRio far outweighs the disappointment of not making the final squad," Habana said on Instagram.
"I find myself incredibly fortunate to have become a part of a very special brotherhood, to have pushed myself further than what I had imagined in making the transition over to 7s being helped each and every step of the way by all the members of the squad and getting to experience just how much love these boys have for each other!"
Habana's exclusion means the 33-year-old will not get the chance to win an Olympic medal and complete a career that includes World Cup and Rugby Championship wins with the Springboks, Super Rugby and Currie Cup titles with the Bulls, and a European title with Toulon.
