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Agence France-Presse

Former Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne’s hopes of chasing an Olympic dream after ditching a career in American football may be scuttled by anti-doping protocols, it emerged on Monday.
Jarryd is a tremendous example of what can happen when you commit to a goal and do everything in your power to make it a reality
Trent Baalke, 49ers general manager
Hayne announced on Sunday he was abandoning playing NFL with the San Francisco 49ers to pursue a spot on Fiji’s rugby sevens squad for this year’s Rio Games.
But the switch may have struck an obstacle with former head of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Richard Ings saying he may not be eligible.
Ings tweeted that the NFL was not a World Anti-Doping Agency compliant sport, meaning Hayne would not qualify under the drug testing regulations.
“Slight problem mate. World Rugby require you to be in their registered testing pool six months to be eligible to play,” he said.
“If Jarryd Hayne had been playing in Wada compliant sport he would have grounds to reduce the six months. But NFL is PED (performance-enhancing drugs) badlands. No chance.
“The six-month return to competition rule is standard across most sports for athletes returning to international competition. And necessary,” he added.

Hayne generated intense interest last year after forcing his way onto the San Francisco 49ers roster after walking away from a lucrative rugby league career in his native Australia.
But the 28-year-old enjoyed only flashes of success during a difficult first season where his appearances were limited.
In a statement released through the 49ers on Sunday, Hayne revealed he had been approached by Fiji sevens officials with a view to playing in this summer’s Olympics, where rugby is returning to the Games after a 92-year absence.
“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,” said Hayne, whose father is Fijian.
The end of the line? Australian Jarryd Hayne released by San Francisco 49ers

“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.”
Hayne said earlier he was proud of the fact that he had been able to transition from rugby league to the National Football League, where he was used as a running back and special teams kick returner.
“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,” Hayne said.
All aboard the Hayne Train: Australian rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne makes the grade with NFL’s San Francisco 49ers
“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,” the former Parramatta Eels star said.
The 49ers said Hayne was leaving with their blessing.
“Jarryd is a tremendous example of what can happen when you commit to a goal and do everything in your power to make it a reality,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.
“He earned the right to wear a 49ers uniform and compete alongside the best in the game.
“We fully support Jarryd’s decision to pursue another dream – representing the Fiji rugby sevens team in this summer’s Olympic Games.”


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Over before it’s begun: Jarryd Hayne’s ambitious Olympic dream may already be shot down

Jarryd Hayne has retired from the NFL to focus on representing Fiji at the Summer Olympics in Rio. Photo: AFP

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne (38) is interviewed after an NFL preseason football game against the San Diego Chargers in Santa Clara, Calif. Former Australian Rugby League star Hayne’s NFL experiment is over, as he announced his retirement Sunday, May 15, 2016, from the 49ers in order to join the Fiji Rugby Sevens team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne (38) runs against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif. Former Australian Rugby League star Hayne’s NFL experiment is over, as he announced his retirement Sunday, May 15, 2016, from the 49ers in order to join the Fiji Rugby Sevens team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

Ex-rugby league star Jarryd Hayne continues to impress with NFL’s San Francisco 49ers

Jarryd Hayne stands a good chance of making the 49ers' final roster. Photo: AFP

Jarryd Hayne playing rugby league for Australia against New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup. Photo: AFP

Jarryd Hayne eludes a Dallas Cowboys tackle. Photo: EPA

NFL dream closer to reality as ex-rugby league star Jarryd Hayne survives another 49ers roster cut

Jarryd Hayne will find out on Saturday whether he has made the final 53-player cut. Photo: AFP

Jarryd Hayne is tackled by Shaquil Barrett and Vance Walker of the Denver Broncos during preseason action on Saturday. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 19-12.Photo: AFP


The end of the line? Australian Jarryd Hayne released by San Francisco 49ers

Jarryd Hayne went from rugby league in Australia to the NFL, but it has not worked out at the San Francisco 49ers. Photo: AFP

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Former Australian rugby league star’s hopes of chasing an Olympic medal after ditching his NFL career may be scuttled by anti-doping protocols


Former Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne’s hopes of chasing an Olympic dream after ditching a career in American football may be scuttled by anti-doping protocols, it emerged on Monday.


HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2015-16

Over before it’s begun: Jarryd Hayne’s ambitious Olympic dream may already be shot down

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Former Australian rugby league star’s hopes of chasing an Olympic medal after ditching his NFL career may be scuttled by anti-doping protocols

Former Australian rugby league star’s hopes of chasing an Olympic medal after ditching his NFL career may be scuttled by anti-doping protocols