user: News: Jarryd Hayne has sensationally quit his NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers, with an aim to play at the Rio Olympics in rugby sevens for Fiji.

The former Parramatta Eels NRL star will join the Fiji team today in London for the upcoming final round of the Sevens Series.

"I am retiring from the NFL because the Fiji Rugby Sevens team reached out to me about the opportunity to join the team for the upcoming Olympics," Hayne said in a statement.

"I simply could not pass that chance up.

"The Olympics has been something I have admired since I was a little boy."

It is a shock move for 28-year-old Hayne, who has spent the past year trying to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.

Hayne spent time with the Fijian sevens side in Sydney earlier this year, and said at the time he had always held an ambition to play for his father’s country of birth.

"When I was a kid, it's what I dreamed about," he said on February 5.

"But as you get older, things happen and things change."

Hayne faces a possible hurdle in his goal of competing at the Olympics, with the NFL not compliant with World Anti-Doping Authority standards.

WADA today confirmed Hayne may be ineligible for Olympic selection.

Fiji coach Ben Ryan said there was no guarantee Hayne would make the final squad of 12 for the Rio Olympics later this year.

"I have no promises he is going to make the 12, but we will see how he goes," Ryan said in a statement.

"He will then come into Fijian camp for the Olympic period.

"It is a huge challenge for Jarryd but if he gets into the squad it is only going to be on form, because he is a blinding rugby player.

"If he doesn't make it, is just shows how good this Fijian sevens side is."

Fiji is leading the Sevens Series heading into the final round of the season.

Hayne will become a free agent after the Olympics and is set to spark a bidding war in Australia and abroad for his services.

Hayne this morning also responded to TODAY show sports host Tim Gilbert's suggestion that the NRL convert would join the Sydney Roosters next year.

"You and your mates been thinking that for 14 months," Hayne tweeted to Gilbert.

Gilbert said he understood the comment as "tongue-in-cheek".

"Well, I know it was a bit of tongue-in-cheek, I get on very well with Jarryd, but we will see whether we are right or wrong," Gilbert said.

“I’d like to thank Jed and the entire York family for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the National Football League. I also want to thank Trent and his staff, as well as Jim Tomsula, Tom Rathman and the other coaches who invested in me to make this dream a reality. I’d also like to thank Coach Kelly for the opportunity to come back this year. The support and understanding from the 49ers organization was unbelievable when I let them know about my decision to pursue another dream. The past 12 months with the San Francisco 49ers have been absolutely incredible. I could not have predicted how far I have come as an NFL player. To not only be able to play in a game but also say that I started a game in the NFL is something that I will remember for a lifetime.

“I am retiring from the NFL because the Fiji Rugby Sevens team reached out to me about the opportunity to join the team for the upcoming Olympics, and I simply could not pass that chance up. The Olympics has been 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 cannot thank them and the support staff enough. I am especially grateful to the strength and conditioning coaches, trainers and medical staff, equipment guys, public relations crew, chefs, logistics, and merchandise staff for their countless hours helping me in many different ways, so I could focus on football. Thank you to the fans from down under, as well as those around the world, who stood behind me and supported me along this amazing journey. I also want to thank the boys, especially my running back brothers, for their help and support in my transition to the NFL. I wish the team nothing but the best for the upcoming season.

“Last but not least, I would like to thank the 49ers Faithful for your unwavering support. From day one you have always been in my corner and I can’t thank you enough for the love you’ve shown for the kid from down under. Signing off, your mate, number 38.”

Title: Jarryd Hayne quits NFL to chase spot in Fiji rugby sevens Olympic team


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