Jarryd Hayne

Jarryd Hayne's Rio Olympics hopes dashed after Fiji omission

  • Former NRL and NFL star admits his Fiji Rugby Sevens dreams are over
  • Hayne breaks news of omission in Facebook post thanking the squad
Jarryd Hayne addressing media
Jarryd Hayne, seen here addressing media recently at Sydney International Airport, awaits an uncertain future with offers from rugby union and rugby league. Photograph: Don Arnold/Getty Images

Former NRL and NFL player Jarryd Hayne’s hopes of competing for Fiji at the Rio Olympics in rugby sevens are over, with news he has been cut from the squad.

In a Facebook post thanking the Fijian rugby sevens squad and their coach Ben Ryan, Hayne broke the news of his omission following a conversation with Ryan.

“Last Friday I had a meeting with Ben to discuss my future with the team and I was informed that my time has ended. As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn’t ready yet.

“During my time with the team, I pushed my body above and beyond. I used all my experience as a professional athlete and have tried everyday and in every way possible to make this team and make it better but unfortunately, time has been against me.”

In a sign that the rigours of adapting to NFL and the glare of the international media’s spotlight had perhaps begun to take their toll on the multi-sport athlete, Hayne spoke of his enjoyment reconnecting in his father’s country of birth, Fiji.

“I’ve loved every minute of training with the Fiji Rugby 7’s. Not only are they back to back world champions but they are a bunch of guys who have welcomed me into the team as one of their own family.

“This has been an amazing journey for me and a truly humbling experience. I have learnt so much and will never forget my time with this team.”

It’s not yet certain which path the dual Fijian and Australian rugby league international will pursue next with interest coming from both overseas rugby union and Australian rugby league clubs.

Both Hayne and the club where he spent eight largely successful seasons between 2006 and 2014, Parramatta Eels, have previously made public their interest in working together again.

It’s uncertain how the Eels current off-field ructions will affect any such future contract.

In the short term, Hayne is apparently eager simply to follow the performances of his Fijian teammates in their quest for Olympic gold.

“For now, I’ll be in camp with the team until mid-week before heading back home to Sydney for some time out and will determine my next steps from there. I’ll enjoy watching from afar and wish the team all the best of luck on their road to Rio.”