Kieran Read turns down chance to play for All Blacks Sevens at Rio Olympics
Loose-forward among favourites to take over as New Zealand captain when Richie McCaw retires
All Black number eight Kieran Read has turned down the opportunity to play for New Zealand in the rugby sevens tournament at next year's Rio Olympics.
The rangy loose -forward follows fly-half Aaron Cruden in deciding not to go for gold in the event when the shortened form of the game makes its debut as rugby returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1924.
It would be a hell of an opportunity but I will probably focus on making the All Blacks team
"I was [keen to go to Rio] but I won't be," Read said Wednesday. "It would be a hell of an opportunity but I will probably focus on making the All Blacks team."
Read is favourite to replace Richie McCaw as All Blacks' captain when his fellow loose-forward retires from the game, which is expected to be after the World Cup later this year.
The All Blacks also face a challenging 2016 with several highly experienced players taking up lucrative European contracts, while others such as McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu are expected to retire.
"There is also the leadership [role] within the All Blacks, as well, which is probably a bigger part of [the decision]," Read said while adding he had spoken to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen about the challenges in 2016.
