ACT Brumbies fullback Robbie Coleman will consider sacrificing his immediate Super Rugby ambitions to chase an Olympic Games dream, admitting he's entertaining a switch to sevens rugby next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coleman's manager is locked in negotiations with the Brumbies and the ARU about his next career move, with the Queanbeyan junior still weighing up the chance to chase Olympic gold.
But to be a part of the Australian sevens program, coach Geraint John wants players to commit to the Olympic preparation from January 1, forcing Super Rugby players to forgo their duties.
It's an agonising choice for Commonwealth Games sevens silver medallist Coleman, who has waited five years to cement his place in the Brumbies starting side after overcoming a horror run of injuries.
"I've been hearing stuff from my manager and he's talked to a lot of different people. I just have to focus on my job at the Brumbies," Coleman said.
"I'm definitely not ruling anything out at the moment. The one thing I have to make sure of is that it's not affecting my rugby and I don't know how they're working things with the sevens.
"I've never ruled a line through anything if it's an option. If it gets to a time when it worries me, I'll chat to my manager and we'll make a decision. But right now I'm enjoying my rugby and the Brumbies' style.
"It's been a long journey to here, but I think my best is yet to come."
Henry Speight is another Brumby who could be on the sevens radar for the Rio Olympics.
The Brumbies are keen to keep Coleman beyond the end of his three-year contract, which expires at the end of the season.
The club completed a triple signing boost earlier this week when Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Josh Mann-Rea all signed new contracts.
More players are set to follow in the coming weeks with coach Stephen Larkham negotiating new deals to keep the core of his squad together.
But Coleman's case presents a new challenge as the ARU attempts to find ways to satisfy the needs of the sevens program and Super Rugby teams.
It's understood the Brumbies are working with the ARU to get an idea of what the requirements would be if a player wanted to juggle both.
Coleman has told the club he has a passion for sevens, with the ARU trying to finalise selection criteria by the end of March.
John is adamant Olympic hopefuls need an extended time in the sevens program to give Australia the best chance of winning a gold medal.
But one sticking points is who would foot the bill for the players' contract, with Super Rugby deals worth more than the sevens contracts.
Coleman was part of the Australian sevens team that played at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and his speed and agility would make him a valuable asset to the Olympic campaign.
"There's no deadline on [when I make a decision], I'll just take it each week and try to get myself as good as I can for the Brumbies so I don't let the Brumbies down," Coleman said.
The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, cementing his place at fullback in Jesse Mogg's absence and staking his claim to keep the No.15 jersey for the entire season.
He has recovered from niggling injuries to take his place at the back for the clash against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.
"It's the size of the fight in the dog. He's a small bloke who carries on through injury," said Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua.
"He's so quick, you see his footwork all the time and his form is no surprise to us.
"You've seen him play, sevens suits his game as well and I guess he'll have that choice of [Rio Olympics or Super Rugby], but you completely understand that because not many people can say they're Olympians."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND FIVE
Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium, 7.40pm (AEST). TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.
Brumbies team: 15. Robbie Coleman, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Joseph Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9. Nic White, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. Jarrad Butler, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Ruan Smith, 18. Jean-Pierre Smith, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Blake Enever, 21. Michael Dowsett, 22. Lausii Taliauli, 23. James Dargaville.
Reds team: 15. Ben Tapuai, 14. Chris Kuridrani, 13. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12. Anthony Faingaa, 11. Campbell Magnay, 10. Nick Frisby, 9. Will Genia, 8. Jake Schatz, 7. Liam Gill, 6. Adam Thomson, 5. James Horwill, 4. Marco Kotze, 3. Sam Talakai, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1. James Slipper. Reserves: 16. James Hanson, 17. Ben Daley, 18. Sef Faagase, 19. Dave McDuling, 20. Curtis Browning, 21. Scott Gale, 22. Sam Johnson, 23. Tom Banks.
