Patriots DB Nate Ebner joins SportsCenter to talk about taking a leave of absence from New England to train for the U.S. Olympic rugby team. He also discusses the similarities and differences between football and rugby. (4:26)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- 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 drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round 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.