Nate Ebner Named to US Olympic Rugby Team

Word starting to trickle out that Patriots Safety Nate Ebner has been named to the US Olympic Rugby Team and will be travelling to Rio next month.

Very cool. Bring back some hardware, Nate.

So how does that work out? How much into training camp does that cut into? Would that affect his chances of staying on the team?

InRodWeRust said:

So how does that work out? How much into training camp does that cut into? Would that affect his chances of staying on the team?

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Olympics end on Aug 21st. I think he'll still make the team but this certainly could affect his chances.

He'll make the team. If it wasn't a near-certainty, Belichick would have told him and not let him go. He's a special teamer, it's not like he needs camp to get in rhythm with the offense or anything, and he'll be keeping in shape and getting plenty of practice being a heat seeking missile.

Congrats to him. Doubt they medal but great experience and accomplishment for him.

Not sure about this but if hes so far behind could they PUP him?

Nice. Congratulations to a tough, hard worker.

I think they can PUP him.

Congratulations to Nate!

robertweathers said:

Congrats to him. Doubt they medal but great experience and accomplishment for him.

Not sure about this but if hes so far behind could they PUP him?

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Per Reddit, Fiji is probably the favorite, but the USA 7s have a fighting chance.

InRodWeRust said:

So how does that work out? How much into training camp does that cut into? Would that affect his chances of staying on the team?

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The Patriots signed Ebner to a two-year deal and then granted him a LOA three days later. I dunno know, but that doesn't strike me as someone they consider "on the bubble."

I also don't think it needed to be a "near certainty"; I do think it needed to be something like 50-50.

ctpatsfan77 said:

Per Reddit, Fiji is probably the favorite, but the USA 7s have a fighting chance.

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Didn't know Fiji was good at rugby!

I figured the UK, Aussies South Africa and a couple of others had a stranglehold on the medal round.

ctpatsfan77 said:

The Patriots signed Ebner to a two-year deal and then granted him a LOA three days later. I dunno know, but that doesn't strike me as someone they consider "on the bubble."

I also don't think it needed to be a "near certainty"; I do think it needed to be something like 50-50.

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I agree. No way they cut him. Depending on his physical state (injuries) they may PUP him and give the spot to a 3rd (4th) QB.

Atta boy, Ebnah!

Joey007 said:

Atta boy, Ebnah!

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This reminds me of the amusement Jimmy Kimmel had one night with announcer ****y Barrett (of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones), when the guests were David Arquette, Jennifer Garner, and Arcade Fire.

signbabybrady said:

Olympics end on Aug 21st. I think he'll still make the team but this certainly could affect his chances.

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Rugby runs August 6th thru the 11th.

With all the doom and gloom lately around the politics of football, this made my day. Pure 'love of the game' type story.

signbabybrady said:

Olympics end on Aug 21st. I think he'll still make the team but this certainly could affect his chances.

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Rugby 7s finish on 11

Calendário dos Olímpicos - Calendário das competições

Its in portugues but its almost dates and time you guys can understand

Every competition

Way to go Nate!

The teams play two games a day. The teams making it to the finals will play 2 games, 3 days straight, as well as a few other teams for lower place finishing matches. Interesting!

Way to go, Nate! Just imagine if he wins a gold medal along with his Super Bowl ring, rare company there. He's a reason to watch for sure!