Dan Bibby aiming for gold

Dan Bibby insists Team GB’s rugby Sevens squad are hoping to claim gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio this summer.

The 25-year-old, who previously played 15-a-side rugby union for Fylde, made the full time switch to become an England Sevens player in 2012.

Bibby has been rewarded for his exploits with England after being named in the 12-strong squad to head out to Rio in search of gold.

The fly-half was part of the squad at the 2014 Commonwealth Games but Bibby believes the Olympics will take it up another level.

The Lancastrian admitted his inclusion hasn’t yet fully sunk in and feels he won’t come to terms with it until he is on the way to south America.

Bibby said: “When I got told I just couldn’t believe it, it has still not really sunk in.

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 are set to face New Zealand, Japan and Kenya in the pool stage with 12 of the world’s top-sides set to battle it out for gold.

Bibby believes the competition is wide open with six different winners from the HSBC Sevens World Series’ tournaments this season all taking part.

He added: “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.

“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.”