Western Force back-rower Tim Anstee has confirmed his focus remains on the 15 a-side game despite the looming Tokyo Olympics.
Anstee spent four years in the Sevens program, with the postponed 2020 Games providing him with the opportunity to play for the Western Force in Super Rugby AU.
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Since then, the Eastwood product has been a revelation, earning a call-up to Wallabies camp despite starting just one game in 2021.
His impact has been crucial to the Force, coming off the bench last week to score the winning try against the Rebels.
Speaking to media on Monday, Anstee admits whilst he has the blessing from Dave Rennie to play at the Olympics, his focus remains on achieving his Wallabies dream.
"Once I left Sevens, the focus was on 15s," he said.
"I still keep in contact with Tim Walsh but the focus has been on 15s and doing what I can for Force this year.
“I think the Olympics is something that excites a lot of people. I dedicated four years to the sevens program and (Tokyo) was something we were building towards. Then COVID happened.
“Potentially, it’s something I would like to tick off. But at the same time, playing for the Wallabies is something I dreamed about as a kid. We will see how it plays out.”
With the Olympics scheduled to take place in July, this would give the 23-year-old just six weeks to make the switch after the end of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Despite this, he remains committed to the Force, quashing any suggestions he would leave early.
"Yeah, definitely. I'm contracted with the Force so I'll get through that trans-Tasman comp and see how it plays out," he added.
Anstee is amongst a host of players making the switch between the two formats.
Players such as Ben O'Donnell and John Porch have made the move overseas to take advantages of opportunities overseas.
Meanwhile, the likes of Lewis Holland, Lachie Anderson and Jeral Skelton have become integral to the Rebels' push for finals.
Anstee believes the all-around skill set required in Sevens allows players to make the seamless transition to the 15-man game.
"I think Sevens, you need quite a broad skill set," he explained.
"Sometimes, in 15s, if you're not good at a certain skill, you can hide from it or get away from it. In Sevens, you're going to get found out if you can't catch and pass 15 metres, if you can't clean out or you can't make your one-on-one tackles.
"I think I've learned and developed a lot of parts of my game there and I'd like to think I've brought them into the 15-man game."
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The Western Force will return to Perth and kick off round nine of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU, taking on the Waratahs at HBF Park, the home side will look to keep their finals hopes alive once they kick off at 7.45pm AEST, LIVE on Stan Sport and simulcast on 9Gem, click here to purchase tickets.
