Nate Ebner moved one step closer to achieving his dream this week when he was added to the USA Rugby Men's Sevens for a tournament in Hong Kong. The Patriots safety is on a leave of absence from the team as he tries to make the U.S. Olympic team that will compete in the Rio Games this summer.
Ebner was named an injury replacement for sprinter Carlin Isles on Thursday and was with the team on Friday in Hong Kong for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The Olympic squad will be announced on July 5.
The USA Rugby Men's Sevens team hasn't been shy about showing their appreciation for the Super Bowl champion and 2008 Rugby World Cup MVP.
Ebner, a former standout for the U19 and U20 teams from 2006-2008, played collegiately at Ohio State University where he excelled on the pitch for the Buckeyes.
Ebner's lifelong dream of competing in Olympic rugby stems from his time spent growing up learning the game from his father, Jeff, who instilled in him a passion for the game that he's carried on through his professional football career.
