Jarryd Hayne’s Months-Long Olympic Dream Is Over After Fiji Dumps Him

That was quick.

Jarryd Hayne‘s audacious bid to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics is officially over, with the former NRL/former NFL player being informed he would not be selected to represent the Fiji Rugby Sevens side at the upcoming games.
Under two months ago Hayne’s nomadic sporting career took another turn, as he sensationally announced he was leaving the San Francisco 49ers in a wild attempt to vie for a berth in the games.
The bid was ballsy, to say the least, and Hayne was up against it given the limited preparation time and the comparative strength of the Fijian squad. And despite actually suiting up for Fiji during the London Sevens tournament, Fijian officials have reportedly informed Hayne that he would not be selected in the Olympic squad.
Hayne confirmed the news in a post on his Facebook page earlier this morning.

“Last Friday I had a meeting with [Fijian rugby sevens coach Ben Ryan] 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.

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.

It was hard to comprehend and understand at first why I came here? Why God put me here, but deep down I knew there was a reason and a purpose. 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 amazing journey for me and a truly humbling experience. I have learnt so much and will never forget my time with this team.

I want to thank Ben and the entire coaching staff, the players and especially the fans. The support of the Fijian fans and fans around the world over the past few months has been incredible. I am mesmerised at the love and passion people have for the 7’s.

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.

Going to miss our prayers twice a day, endless laughs and ma man Sharkie! Nothing but love for the taganes.

MOCE.”

What’s next for Hayne is yet to be determined. It could be a return to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels making a big push to sign him. It could be another career pivot into Super Rugby. Or it could be a tilt at playing top-line billiards for all we know.

The possibilities. They are endless.

Source: Facebook.
Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty.

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