Opinion | Why Team USA’s rugby players are perfect poster boys to spread the sevens gospel at home
Nate Ebner, Carlin Isles, Danny Barrett and Madison Hughes are testament to the Eagles’ professionalism on and off the field as they dream of medal success in Rio
Nate Ebner is an NFL player who took a leap of faith on his love for rugby, Carlin Isles is a sprinter who could have easily been challenging Usain Bolt for the title of world’s fastest man, Danny Barrett is pioneer-like in his vision to emulate US heroes of the past – missing only the Davy Crockett coonskin cap – and Madison Hughes is the captain fantastic who came from London to pursue his American dream.
Team USA PR people could not have chosen better ambassadors to promote their Rio Olympics cause than these four at their press conference this week. They play well, speak well and are true personalities. Each one of them has a story to tell.
No wonder World Rugby wants the US to be the focal point for the growth of the sevens game. Not only do they have massive market potential to sell the sport to American fans watching the Rio Games, they have in the Eagles squad, the men and women with the charisma, conviction and skills to act as willing role models.
Ebner’s story is well known since he made the US squad for the Hong Kong Sevens in April. Having grown up playing rugby, Ebner went on to play for NFL’s New England Patriots as a safety, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2014.
He said it was an emotional moment when he made the squad for the Olympic Games, with joy mixed with sadness for the players who had missed out.
