Sevens heaven dream American rugby stars aiming for Olympic glory
OLYMPICS ZACH Test is proud to be making history when the Rugby Sevens returns to the Olympics after a 92-year absence.
But Test should not be competing for USA in Rio. In fact, he probably should not be taking to the field at all.
Test, 26, was told to give up the game after sustaining a broken ankle. But he defied the orders and instead he took a one-year grant that allowed the Jewish player to continue rugby and study in England at Loughborough University’s Sports Technology Institute.
Now the winger is part of the 12-man American squad bidding to cause an upset. USA have been paired in Pool A with World Series champions Fiji along with Argentina and hosts Brazil.
Test said: “I’m proud of where I have come from. It’s down to determination and hard work. And now I have something magical to look forward to. I remember being in the opening ceremony of the 2011 Pan American Games and my heart was beating out of my chest.
“I cannot even imagine what the opening ceremony at the Olympics will be like. As a boy growing up you always dream about playing in big events. And you don’t get much bigger and better than representing your country at the Olympic Games.”
Test, who played for the USA rugby union team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, was out of the game from 2010 to 2014 before the lure of the World Cup in England drew him back. He played on the wing as South Africa blitzed the Eagles 64-0 before his country lost to Japan as they bowed out by four straight defeats in the pool stages.
The USA Eagles are ranked 16th globally in 15-man rugby. But finishing sixth of 16 teams in the Sevens World Series, America will be an outside bet for a medal.
Nate Ebner is the second Jewish player in the American rugby squad. His journey is just as remarkable, as only last year he helped the New England Patriots to victory in the Superbowl.
Ebner, 27, is believed to be the first NFL player to represent America at the Olympics. He puts his sporting prowess down to his late father, Jeff, who died in 2008. “Dad taught me the importance of being Jewish,” said Ebner of his father, who was killed in an attempted robbery at his car dealership in Ohio.
“He stressed the importance of finishing strong in every task I did, and conducting myself always in a proper manner. I think he would be proud of me.
“And now my grandparents make sure I keep up with Jewish events and that I remember my origins.”
Asked for his thoughts on Rio, Ebner said: “There will obviously be only one goal in mind and it is getting on that podium at the end of the Games.”
JEWISH brothers Nathan and Joshua Katz are off to fight for Australia — in the Olympic j udo contest.
The pair will be Australia’s first brothers to compete in judo at the Olympics at the same time.
“It’s something we’ve dreamed about since were little kids,” said Joshua.