Former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne signed with the San Francisco 49ers. (Getty)
Former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne is making a switch to the NFL.
The 27-year-old will sign with the San Francisco 49ers, choosing them over the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.
Former Aussie rugby star and projected NFL RB Jarryd Hayne announces he has signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
Hayne announced back in October he was leaving the NRL to pursue a career in the NFL.
Here’s what you need to know about Hayne:
1. Hayne Played For the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League
Hayne played for the Parramatta Eels of the NRL for his entire career, which began in 2006.
He was primarily a fullback, but played wing and center as well.
Hayne made his NRL debut on May 19, 2006. He made plays right away and scored 17 tries in 16 games in his first season.
He was the player of the year in 2009 and last season, his final one with the NRL.
2 The 49ers guaranteed Hayne $100K
(Getty)
According to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, the 49ers offered Hayne some guaranteed money, while the Lions did not.
The 49ers gave him $100k guarantee; the Lions did not offer a guarantee. Probably more a factor than Tomsula
Hayne also cited new Niners head coach Jim Tomsula.
Hayne said the Jim Tomsula hiring helped flip him to SF’s way after thinking he was going to Detroit. Wait till he sees Tomsula in a presser
3. Hayne Had a Very Solid Pro Day
Hayne is 6-foot-2, 226 pounds and athletic. He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash and a 4.29 20-yard shuttle.
Hayne trained at Jay Glazer’s Unbroken workout facility.
Great dude! Nasty! We trained him during season. RT @MikeGarafolo: Former Aussie rugby star and (cont) http://t.co/e8h174fMuB
4. He Is Expected to Play Running Back
(Getty)
Hayne is expected to be given a shot at running back with the 49ers. He’s got the size, speed and the ability to run with the ball in the open field.
If that 40 time of 4.53 is true, it would have been sixth among running backs at the NFL Combine. Only Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford (4.42), Florida State’s Karlos Williams (4.48), Texas A&M’s Trey Williams (4.49), Northern Iowa’s David Johnson (4.50) and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon (4.52), last season’s rushing leader, would be better.
5. Hayden Smith Attempted to Make the Switch From Rugby, But it Didn’t Work Out
Hayden Smith makes a tackle in a recent Aviva Premiership match. (Getty)
Hayden Smith, a 6-foot-7, 255 pounder who excelled in rugby from 2008-12, signed with the New York Jets in April 2012 as a tight end, but was waived in August only to be signed back to the team’s practice squad.
He was signed to the active roster in December of that season and caught one pass. He was released in August of 2013.
Smith, now 29, returned to his former team Saracens in his native Australia.
Comments
Jarryd Hayne: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know