Nate Ebner is taking a leave of absence from the New England Patriots, but the reason is an unexpected one: He’s trying to hook up with the U.S. national rugby team ahead of the Olympics.

Ebner, a special teams player who was a bright spot for the Patriots last year, signed a new two-year contract with the Patriots, but then announced his leave of absence which would take place immediately. Ebner hopes to secure a spot on the national team and compete in the summer Olympics this year in Rio.

Ebner has the support of the Patriots:

It’s not wholly surprising that Ebner would want to try and keep up with rugby — he played both rugby and football at Ohio State, but was more known for his rugby skills, and the Patriots took a sixth round flyer on him because they thought those skills could translate well to special teams.

Rugby finishes at the Olympics on August 11, meaning Ebner could be back with the team after just one preseason game.