Will this turn out to be more of a gimmick, a la Brock Lesnar signing with the Minnesota Vikings, or will it work?
He had initially crossed them off his list, but on Monday, Jarryd Hayne chose the San Francisco 49ers.
The Australian rugby star announced his signing, adding that the Niners had beaten out the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, the Mercury News reported.
Hayne has been preparing for the decision since October, when he quit the sport — a “bombshell” move in the rugby world — to focus on pursuing an opportunity in the NFL. He has twice been named the best player in the National Rugby League, and at 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, ran a 4.53 40-yard dash in a December workout.
The pairing isn’t by mere coincidence — Tomsula has experience with international players, having spent several years coaching in NFL Europe and ascending to head coach of the Rhein Fire in 2006.
Hayne is guaranteed $100,000 in his deal with the 49ers, and acknowledged his transition from rugby to football isn’t exactly a safe move.
“This is a huge risk,” Hayne said. “I’m taking a massive leap of faith.”
Hayne will compete for a spot as a return man and running back.
[NFL.com]
