Hayne’s Olympic rugby dream hits hurdle

Jarryd Hayne’s quest to make the Rio Olympic Games has hit a speedbump after being left out of the initial Fiji squad for this weekend’s London Sevens.

After quitting NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers this week, the former NRL star announced his intention to qualify for the Olympics with the Rugby Sevens’ gold-medal favourites.

After going into camp with the team on Monday, the crosscode star missed out on the 12-man squad named on Wednesday by coach Ben Ryan.

However, he is still a chance to turn out in London, with Fiji’s final line-up to be named on Friday.

The London Sevens is the last event on the Sevens World Series schedule and, if Hayne does not turn out there, it will prove a big blow to his chances of making the Rio squad.

Hayne sensationally quit the NFL after being sounded out by the Fiji Sevens team.

While reports suggested Hayne had been told by 49ers management that he had fallen down the pecking order, San Francisco coach Chip Kelly doused speculation the former league star was set to be cut.

Should Hayne’s Olympic dream fail to eventuate, NRL clubs are lining up to snare his signature.

St George Illawarra, Gold Coast and Newcastle have expressed public interest in snaring the former Parramatta fullback.

Hayne had been heavily linked with the Sydney Roosters, however the Seven Network reported on Wednesday evening that the club had dropped out of the race for his signature.

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