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CHULA VISTA, CA – Nate Ebner will not be able to compete in the Tokyo Olympics between NFL seasons by withdrawing from the competition for the U.S. rugby-seven team due to injuries.
Ebner, 32, said he cut after playing for the New York Giants in the NFL season 2020 and hadn’t recovered in time to get a selection. He suffered a knee injury last season and is now a free agent.
Ebner played for the New England Patriots when he took his time in 2016 to play for the U.S. men’s team when rugby seven made his debut at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“It is painful for me to announce my withdrawal from the competition at the Tokyo Olympics,” Ebner said in a statement Tuesday. “While my recovery is heading for the next football season, unfortunately the schedules didn’t match the game trials.”
U.S. men’s and women’s rugby-seven teams will be playing in the Quest for Gold Sevens tournament in Los Angeles starting Friday to fine-tune the Olympic tournament.
U.S. men’s rugby Sevens head coach Mike Friday said the injury meant Ebner hadn’t been able to physically compete for the spot.
“We are all disappointed with Nate and appreciate her efforts to join the team and run to Tokyo,” Friday said. “Ultimately, it is our responsibility to take a long-term physical vision and ensure that we protect Nate’s interests, given the interests of his upcoming football season.”
The U.S. Olympic men’s rugby-seven team will be announced on July 2. The Seven Olympics tournament kicks off on July 26th.
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