NFL star aims for Sevens gold

He is hoping to secure a spot in the team's Olympic squad.

Ebner, a talented schoolboy Rugby Union player, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, is to train with the United States team at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista, southern California, a statement said.

"We are excited and looking forward to Nate joining the program and working with the squad," said United States Sevens coach Mike Friday.

"We are aware of Nate's rugby background from his high school and college days and this was the key to him being in a position to compete with the current squad.

"He is in great shape and we will be able to condition him over the next six to eight weeks to be more aligned with rugby and work with him to get him up to speed on his skills and tactical understanding."

Ebner played Rugby Union while studying at Ohio State, before eventually joining the college's football program.

He was picked in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft and was in the Patriots side which won the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks in 2015.

United States Rugby Performance Director Alex Magleby emphasized that Ebner had no guarantee of being picked for the American team for the Olympics, where rugby is returning after a 96-year absence.

"He will be up against it in an already competitive player pool for Rio, but knowing Nate, he will relish in that challenge and will work hard to bring out the best in himself and his US teammates," Magleby said.

Although minnows in the 15-a-side code, the United States are a respected team on the world seven-a-side circuit and will head to Brazil for the Olympics with realistic hopes of a medal.

Agence France-Presse