{"id":5330,"date":"2016-03-15T21:17:27","date_gmt":"2016-03-16T01:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=5330"},"modified":"2016-03-15T21:17:27","modified_gmt":"2016-03-16T01:17:27","slug":"nate-ebner-takes-absence-train-spot-us-olympic-rugby-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2016\/03\/15\/nate-ebner-takes-absence-train-spot-us-olympic-rugby-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Nate Ebner Takes Absence To Train For Spot On US Olympic Rugby Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a report<\/a> first announced by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday, New England Patriots<\/strong><\/a> safety Nate Ebner will be taking a leave of absence to begin training for a spot on the 2016 United States Olympic Rugby Team which will be competing in Rio de Janeiro\u00a0this summer.<\/p>\n

The news comes on the heels of a new two-year contract for Ebner he signed on March 12th, specific terms on the deal were not disclosed publicly.<\/p>\n

Ebner released the following statement to Schefter through ESPN.<\/p>\n

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots from top to bottom for giving me the opportunity to come back and play for a truly first-class organization,” Ebner said.<\/p>\n

“I also want to thank them and USA Rugby for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream I’ve had since I was a boy in a sport in which I’ve always had a passion,” Ebner said. “I can’t put into words how much this opportunity means to not only me, but my friends and family as well.<\/p>\n

“I plan to represent the Patriots and our country to the best of my ability. Thanks again and Go Pats and go USA.”<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/USASevensRugby\/status\/709787458557382656<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/joecardona93\/status\/709792583292219393<\/p>\n

This is not the first time Ebner has perused playing rugby, in college at Ohio State University he was an All-American player on the school’s team. Some highlights from his career below.<\/p>\n