Rugby: Ex-USA captain Todd Clever could switch from rugby to professional wrestling

Todd Clever retired from international rugby in 2017. Photo / Getty Images

The most capped player in USA Eagles history could try his hand at professional wrestling, having retired from rugby in 2017.

Todd Clever, 35, confirmed that he recently spent time with the WWE training at their high-performance facility in Florida - and according to several reports he is close to signing a contract with the popular entertainment company.

CNN reported Clever was approached by the company in 2016, while he was still playing rugby, to see if he would be interested in trying out.

He declined.

But this year, having retired from the sport, the professional wrestling outfit again approached the former Super Rugby flanker, and this time he took the opportunity.

"Once I retired, I guess they caught wind or something happened I got calls and another invite," Clever told CNN.

Todd Clever captained the USA national rugby squad. Photo / Getty Images

"That's my whole thing. You don't want to have any regrets in life, from missing out on experiences. That's why I'm always saying yes to going on social rugby tours now, even if it costs me money now. I still have a blast doing it.

"So when this happened, I didn't want to miss out on anything, so I said yeah, and I went out there for a week. I absolutely loved my time there in Orlando, Florida. It was brilliant. Their high performance center was top-notch and I really felt at home."

The 35-year-old, who played 76 matches for the USA Eagles, hadn't signed a contract with the WWE yet, but talks were ongoing and he was optimistic.

Clever, who's representative career spanned 14 years, became the first American to play in Super Rugby in 2009 as part of the Lions.

He also represented his country in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups - captaining the USA side in the latter.

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