Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots special teams player Nate Ebner has been drafted into the USA seven-a-side rugby set up with the aim of securing a spot in the team's Olympic squad, it was confirmed Tuesday.

Ebner, a talented schoolboy rugby player who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, is to train with the USA team at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, southern California, a statement said.

"We are excited and looking forward to Nate joining the program and working with the squad," said USA Rugby Men's Sevens Head Coach Mike Friday.

"We are aware of Nate's rugby background from his high school and college days and this was the key to him being in a position to compete with the current squad. He is in great shape and we will be able to condition him over the next 6 to 8 weeks to be more aligned with rugby and work with him to get him up to speed on his skills and tactical understanding."

Read more at http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/2016/03/1...4lyeYsM9LbS.99