Bryan Habana selected to initial South Africa's Olympic Sevens squad

Springboks international Bryan Habana has been picked in the initial 19-man South Africa's Olympics rugby sevens squad.

Habana, who plays as a wing for French rugby club Toulon, is one of the four 15-a-side international players selected in the squad.

Ryan Kankowski,who plays for the Sharks in Super Rugby has found himself a place in the squad along with Worcester Warriors' Francois Hougaard and Stormers' Juan de Jongh.

The squad will be further trimmed down to 12 men in August for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics as rugby sevens returns to the Olympic roster.

The 23-year-old recently took some time off from international duties to concentrate on his preparations for the sevens bid, however, he was recently cautioned by South Africa sevens coach Neil Powell, who is afraid Habana's commitments to Toulon "could count against him when I make my final selection."

The chosen 19 men will convene for a training camp later this month as Habana is expected to arrive late owing to his contract and prior commitments with the French club.