In a statement released through the 49ers on Sunday, Hayne revealed he had been approached by Fiji sevens officials with a view to playing in this summer’s Olympics, where rugby is returning to the Games after a 92-year absence.
Advertisement
Jarryd Hayne during his Eels days.
If the Fiji move doesn’t work out, the Roosters reportedly have left space in their salary cap to sign him before the June 30 deadline, something Parramatta clearly doesn’t have the luxury of doing.
Baalke returned the kind words to his now former player, thanking Hayne for contributions over the past year or so.
The Fiji Rugby Union were unavailable for comment on Monday.
Hayne has not played sevens rugby before but said he had been in touch with friends for advice about making the transition.
It is estimated Hayne is worth at least $1 million a season in the NRL, and any contract lodged by a club before June 30 would need to be around one third of his value, setting his minimum price for this season around $300,000. “The six-month return to competition rule is standard across most sports for athletes returning to global competition”. Hayne said; “The Olympics has been something I have admired since I was a little boy, and it is an opportunity I feel similar to me joining the National Football League”.
Hayne is expected to join the Fiji squad in London for this weekend’s final round of the Sevens World Series.
Hayne’s tick of approval comes after a similar situation with the US team, with former New England Patriots player Nate Ebner playing just one month after switching sports.
‘I’ve got a big road in front of me I can’t be anxious about anything else, ‘ Hayne said.
Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne announced his decision to leave his career in the NFL to aim for the Olympic Games.
Hayne said in a statement that the Olympics was “something I have admired since I was a little boy, and it is an opportunity I feel very similar to me joining the NFL”.
“The 49ers organization has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey and I can not thank them and the support staff enough”.
He’s joined the Fijian sevens side in London, in preparation for this weekend’s London Sevens tournament.
“I have no promises he is going to make the 12”, Ryan said.
Advertisement
The NRL-turned-NFL-turned-Olympic hopeful then joked that a stint in soccer’s A-League could be his next option. He expects that it will be a “huge challenge” for Haynes. For the coach, it’s either Haynes is as good as it seems or the Fijian seven is just on a whole, different level.
