'New Lomu' Clarke Chases Olympic Gold With Kiwi Sevens Squad
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published May 10, 2021 | 10:20 AM
Wellington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th May, 2021 ) :All Black wing Caleb Clarke, whose barnstorming runs have drawn comparison to the legendary Jonah Lomu, announced Monday he will chase Olympic gold in rugby sevens at the Tokyo Games.
Clarke's presence is a coup for the New Zealand sevens squad, making him the only fully-fledged All Black to commit to the Olympics.
The 22-year-old is already a proven performer in the short version of the game, forming part of New Zealand's World Series-winning team last year.
Later in 2020, Clarke earned his first cap for the All Blacks, evoking memories of the late Lomu as he used his 1.89 metre, 107 kilogramme (6ft 2in, 236lb) frame to steamroller opponents.
Clarke and Waikato Chiefs fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo are the only Super Rugby players to join the Kiwi sevens squad.
They will likely have two tournaments to prove worthy of selection in the squad for Tokyo, with a series against Australia this month before an Oceania hit-out in June, although their inclusion for the Games appears to be a formality.
"They are both fit, fast and strong, so physically they'll slot in," New Zealand sevens coach Clark Laidlaw said.
"Our game has evolved a bit in the past six months though, so some of the technical and tactical stuff will be really important to get right.
" "New Lomu" Clarke said he was relishing a return to the sevens environment.
"Going to the Olympics would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I'm looking forward to get back into training and putting my best foot forward," he said.
Lomu's career also began in sevens and he then joined the All Blacks to become rugby's first global superstar before his untimely death in 2015 from complications brought on by a long-term kidney disorder.
Clarke's father, Eroni, is a former All Black who played alongside Lomu and the rookie winger, who is still only five Tests into his All Black career, has said he is humbled to be compared to his childhood hero.
"I feel like I have a big responsibility to do the jersey justice," he told Stuff last year.
However, having a prominent All Black in New Zealand's sevens side is no guarantee of success, as the team discovered at the 2016 Games in Rio, when Sonny Bill Williams signed on to pursue a medal.
The multi-sport star limped off during New Zealand's opening match against Japan with a ruptured Achilles tendon, with the Kiwis going on to lose the match and exit in the quarter-finals.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
DIG directs SSPs to take unrelenting action against organized crimes
Govt committed to provide relief to poor people: Khawaja Asif
Pakistan aims to agree outline of new IMF loan in May - Finance Minister
Pakistan's indigenous products can enter global market: Experts
Roti, naan will be available at official rates. Nanbai Association
Lacking storm drains, Dubai sees persistent flooding
West Bank villagers vigilant but vulnerable after settler attacks
Sindh to upgrade primary schools to reduce dropout rate
Calls for calm after reported Israeli strike on Iran
PTF meeting for polio eradication held
Emaan Pakistan Eid-Mela inaugurated
BISP cash disbursement center set up
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
12 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago