IRB Sevens World Series

Carlin Isles commits to rugby

ESPN Staff

Carlin Isles is a headline attraction on the IRB Sevens World Series © Getty Images Enlarge

Carlin Isles has committed himself to rugby union, saying the game "has been a blessing" to him.

The United States Sevens star, the fastest man in rugby who headlined the 2012-2013 IRB Sevens World Series, signed a practice contract with the Detroit Lions National Football League team in January, leading people to believe he would switch to American football.

But Isles has confirmed he will remain in rugby as he can have a lasting impact on the growth of the game in the United States.

"I think I can help it grow a lot, man," Islaes told Fairfax Media in New Zealand. "From what I've heard, I've already helped it grow and I think I can make it grow even more popular than it is now. For me, that's a big thing and it makes me happy that I can do that and I want to make it grow even more."

Isles, a former track star with a personal-best time of 10.13 seconds for the 100 metres, said ahead of the Wellington Sevens this weekend that he had "just gotten used to finally being comfortable doing things I normally wouldn't do".

"I'm just being able to actually be confident in being a true rugby player," he said as he pledged to "put on a show" for the fans at Westpac Stadium.

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