- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Jarryd Hayne is going to Rio! Well – possibly. The former-Parramatta-Eel-cum-former-San-Francisco-49er has been named in Fiji’s extended Rugby Sevens squad for the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, from which the final 13 will be picked.
The 23-man squad will now take part in a June 12 camp at Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour before the squad is eventually narrowed down ahead of the Olympics, which begin later this year on August 5.
Fiji’s extended Rugby Sevens squad for Rio 2016
Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Emosi Mulevoro, Isake Katonibau, Jarryd Hayne, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Josua Vici, Kitione Dawai, Leone Nakarawa, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Nemani Nagusa, Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Seremaia Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata and Waisea Nayacalevu.
Ben Ryan, Fiji’s Rugby Sevens coach, named the squad on Saturday.
Hayne made his Rugby Sevens debut for Fiji at last month’s London Sevens, at which Fiji officially claimed a second consecutive Rugby Sevens World Series title.
However Hayne played only fifteen minutes across six matches and didn’t really impress.
“At the moment, I’m behind the eight ball and I’ve got no problem with that. It’s about working hard and getting there,” said Hayne at the time.
“They’re the world champs. Sometimes in life, it’s not about success, but it’s about the experience and just being part of that team.
“[It’s the] first Fijian team to win back-to-back titles and they’ve got a bunch of superstars who are going to be a joy to train with and a joy to play with.
“It’s not about coming over and making the team, it’s about giving me an opportunity to make a team.”
Ryan admitted at the time that Hayne was facing a significant challenge to break his way into Fiji’s Rio team.
“Our cupboard is not just deep, it’s absolutely littered with fantastic talent,” Ryan said.
“Whether he’ll be able to tolerate that in a short timeframe is a serious question.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.