Patriots S Nate Ebner called up to US Rugby Sevens squad

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner has been called up to the U.S. Rugby Sevens for a tournament in Hong Kong as he tries to make the team that will play in the Rio Olympics.

Ebner was named an injury replacement for sprinter Carlin Isles on Thursday.

A rugby All-American at Ohio State, Ebner was a sixth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2012. The NFL team gave him permission to train with the U.S. team as it prepares for the Summer Games.

The Olympic squad will be announced on July 5.

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