Bibby excited to join Team GB family

The Lancastrian is part of the 12-strong squad who today headed out to Rio to compete in what will be rugby sevens' Olympic debut.

Bibby played fly half in the 15-a-side game but signed as a full-time England Sevens player in 2012 and has not looked back.

After representing his country in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Bibby admits it will not be until he arrives in Brazil that the enormity of his achievement will hit home.

"When I got told I just couldn't believe it, it has still not really sunk in," said the 25-year-old former Cardiff Metropolitan University student.

"I rang my fiancée as soon as I found out, she had already backed me getting selected because when I got home there were congratulations banners outside. "I asked her what would've happened if I didn't make it?

"All my family are really proud and can't wait to watch me.

"Having all the kit makes it a little bit more real, but I think until I am on the plane then I don't think it will be believable."

Team GB have been drawn alongside New Zealand, Japan and Kenya in their pool as the world's top 12 sides battle it out for the sport's first ever gold medal.

And with six different winners from the HSBC Sevens World Series' ten tournaments this season, Bibby said the competition is likely to throw up a few surprises.

"It is the Olympics, there will be a few more emotions flying about and a bit more adrenaline, but you try to take it as another game and take each game the same, no matter who you are playing," he added.

"You give each team the same respect. It is going to be exciting.

"Sevens is a funny game, you can lose a game on the bounce of a ball or a referee decision. We would not say we are definitely going to win gold, but that is the ultimate aim."

Sportsbeat 2016