Patriots safety Nate Ebner named to U.S. Olympic rugby team

Patriots safety Nate Ebner is among the 12 players named to the United States’ Olympic rugby sevens roster.

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Patriots safety Nate Ebner is among the 12 players named to the United States’ Olympic rugby sevens roster, USA Rugby announced Monday.

The Patriots granted Ebner permission to play with the national team in March and he was called up for a tournament in Hong Kong in April.

Ebner, 27, was a sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2012 and has played 57 games for New England over four seasons. He played football and rugby in college at Ohio State. 

The Olympic sevens tournament is August 9–11 and the Patriots’ first preseason game is August 11. 

Former Lions practice squad player Carlin Isles is also on the roster.