Jarryd Hayne targeted by French rugby as Parramatta deal stalls
PARRAMATTA’S favourite son Jarryd Hayne admits his time in blue and gold could be over with his current contract at the club set to expire in just four days.
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IN what could be another sensational move in Jarryd Hayne’s fascinating career, French rugby union sides have expressed interest in signing the Parramatta champion who admits his time at the Eels could be over as the club scrambles to fit him under the salary cap.
It means Hayne could follow former Parramatta winger Semi Radradra into the French rugby ranks.
French officials have told The Daily Telegraph of a strong desire to lure Hayne away from Australian rugby league and into Europe.
Clubs in France have officially made contact with Hayne’s management team in Australia.
The possible move could lead to Hayne qualifying for Fiji at next year’s rugby union World Cup in Japan.
Hayne, who played in a charity cricket match in Sydney on Sunday, admits it’s unlikely he’ll be at the Eels in 2019.
“I’ve obviously waited a while to get something on paper, but I think the long story short is Parra just can’t,” Hayne told AAP.
“They’ve already done their roster. It was done before I actually got there (from the Gold Coast at the start of 2018).
“You hear speculation that some of those players might be leaving and what not. I think that’s what they’re waiting for.
“But no one has left yet and pre-season starts in a couple of days so it’s not looking good.
“I’m going to have to (look around) because I don’t have a job. In four days my contract is over.”
Reports also emerged over the weekend of interest in Hayne from New Zealand rugby union.
Hayne has been linked to three of New Zealand rugby’s five Super Rugby franchises — the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs.
By signing with the San Francisco 49ers NFL team in 2015, Hayne has shown he harbours no fear about confronting a new challenge in his career.
After a late-season surge in form, there appears little doubt Hayne would have a strong and immediate impact in French rugby union.
The Eels still want to retain Hayne and hope to secure a deal within the next fortnight.
“They want to keep me and have obviously been adamant about that but the reality is they can’t,” he said.
“There’s just no room. As sad as it is it’s just reality. I was lucky enough to get there last year and have a year there.”
French sources claim Hayne could earn around $750,000 a season playing European rugby union.
Parramatta chief executive Bernie Gurr said just last week that his club wanted to sign Hayne.
“We’re still talking to Jarryd. We’ve obviously expressed our desire, and let that be known publicly that we’d like Jarryd to stay at our club,” Gurr said.
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