Half of the proceeds will be shared equally between the Fiji rugby sevens teams and the rest of the Pacific nation’s athletes who are bound for Rio.
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‘As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn’t ready yet, ‘ Hayne said.
“We sat down on Friday and I spoke to all the players and told them what they needed to do to get themselves in the 12 and if I was to pick a team right now – would you be in, would you be out of it”. Australian media reports suggest he is likely to return to the National Rugby League, though he is thought also to have been courted by Australian rugby union teams.
In the short term, Hayne is apparently eager simply to follow the performances of his Fijian teammates in their quest for Olympic gold.
Former NRL star Hayne revealed in a statement that he had been told by Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan of his omission from the squad last week.
Hayne’s former club Parramatta have emerged as favourites to secure his services with the possible departure of Kieran Foran freeing up funds for a contract to be offered. It’s slightly surprising that he didn’t make the team, considering how good he used to be, but he has been out of the sport for years.
I’ve loved every minute of training with the Fiji Rugby 7s.
“Learning the intricacies of rugby and as you’ve seen with different people that come across from league gone by, having the ability to read the game and see the game and understand trying to be a step ahead of the game is the hardest adjustment. It’s been the most physically and mentally draining “stress cycle” I have put a Fijian squad through and not once has he shirked putting in the effort”. God takes you places not so you can achieve what you set out for, but to play a part and help something greater than yourself.
“This has been an unbelievable journey for me and a truly humbling experience”.
“I’ll enjoy watching from afar and wish the team all the best of luck on their road to Rio”.
He says he will miss the prayers twice a day, the endless laughs and his man Sharkie, Masivesi Dakuwaqa. Nothing but love for the taganes.
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Hayne said he will return home to Sydney to consider his future plans.
