Relinquishing the captaincy of the All Blacks sevens team has helped DJ Forbes achieve his Olympic dream.
All Blacks sevens veteran DJ Forbes. Photo: Photosport
Forbes was on Sunday named in Sir Gordon Tietjens' 12-man squad heading to Rio next month.
The 33-year-old gave up the captaincy last year in order to focus on making it to Rio and said, looking back, Forbes said it was the right decision.
"This is definitely one of the proudest moments, you know being in an Olympic team," Forbes said.
"I guess I made some massive decisions earlier on to give myself the best chance to be here so definitely stoked that it all worked out."
Sonny Bill Williams also made the cut, but former All Black flanker Liam Messam is heading back to his Super Rugby side the Chiefs, after missing out on a place in the squad.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens coach remained coy over when he will hang up his coaching whistle.
After coaching the side for 22 years, the Olympics will be the highlight of his career, Sir Gordon said.
He would not confirm whether or not it would be his last campaign.
"Whether it's my last tournament I don't know. Going to Rio, as I said, it's the pinnacle of my career. I've been to five Commonwealth Games and now going to an Olympic Games - unbelievable - the biggest sporting event in the world, so very proud to coach this All Black team."
