Habana gracious after Rio omission

Cape Town - Bryan Habana has achieved just about all there is to achieve on a rugby field. 

It therefore came as no surprise when he expressed his desire to represent his country at this year's Olympic Games in Rio where Sevens will make a return. 

But there was bad news for the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok wing on Wednesday when he was left out of coach Neil Powell's 12-man squad that will take part at the Games. 

Habana took to his Instagram account soon after the squad was announced and revealed why he is considered by many to be one of the game's gentleman. 

"My appreciation and gratitude for getting the opportunity to have been part of the @blitzboks#RoadToRio far outweighs the disappointment of not making the final squad," Habana wrote.

"I find myself incredibly fortunate to have become a part of a very special brotherhood, to have pushed myself further than what I had imagined in making the transition over to 7s."

Habana added that the squad was in good shape to challenge for gold in Rio.

The Blitzboks are seeded second for the Olympic Sevens rugby competition, set to run from August 6-11.

They will contend Group B at the tournament, which consists of 12 teams across three pools.

Each team plays the three other nations in their pool over the first three match sessions with three points for a win, two for a draw and one for a loss.

My appreciation and gratitude for getting the opportunity to have been a part of the @blitzboks #RoadToRio far outweighs the disappointment of not making the final squad. I find myself incredibly fortunate to have become a part of a very special brotherhood, to have pushed myself further than what I had imagined in making the transition over to 7s being helped each and every step of the way by all the members of the squad and getting to experience just how much love these boys have for each other! Their hard work, dedication, commitment and never say die attitude is immensely infectious and will stand them in good stead as they head over to Rio to challenge for that Gold medal. To Neil, his coaching staff and each member of the squad, thanks for allowing me the opportunity to have been so warmly welcomed back into the 7s family. To those players selected, keep on pushing each other as the final training weeks approach and go out there and express your talents to the best of your abilities! I'll be your biggest supporter and cheering you on loudly from Toulon!!!

A photo posted by Bryan Habana (@bryanhabana_) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:47am PDT