The NSW Waratahs might have decided against offering a contract to Jarryd Hayne, but the code-hopping superstar could still be set to try his hand at rugby union.
Speaking on Triple M radio, The Australian’s Brent Read said Hayne could head to France to link up with Top 14 side Toulon before heading back to the NRL next year.
“Scenario would be that perhaps Jarryd goes to Toulon and plays on a short-term deal and comes back to the NRL next year. And the word is that Parramatta is a raging hot favourite to re-sign him,” said Read.
“Toulon was the club that got Sonny Bill Williams, so they’re not afraid to take a punt rugby league players.”
Toulon, a famously rich club, would be able to sign Hayne thanks to Quade Cooper’s decision to leave French rugby and head back to Australian shores, which opened up an import spot on their roster.
The news would seem to scupper any chances of Hayne making an early return to the NRL this season. It was rumoured that Parramatta, the club where Hayne won two Dally Ms, were looking to sign their former star for the remainder of the season.
Parramatta would have the cap room to sign Hayne if they were to release troubled halfback Kieran Foran from his contract, but after having their slim hopes of playing finals footy dashed by the Gold Coast Titans last week, it would seem there is little incentive for Hayne to return this year.
But they’re still hot favourites to sign him for next year.
READ TIM GORE’S ARTICLE ON WHY ROBBIE FARAH SHOULD JOIN HAYNE AT THE EELS
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Baz the PI nations are part of the association agreements.
OJP
Guest
No no no.... Toulouse.... thats where you want to play... with Higgers ;0
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
It makes perfect sense for Hayne to want to play rugby, having tired of the NRL. What is more baffling is that he doesn't continue in the NFL for a couple of years, then move to a European club and play for Fiji at the RWC. What's most baffling is why after his extraordinary season in 2009 at the age of 21 he didn't go the NFL and rugby, as at that point he could have had full, major careers in both. Waiting until his late twenties could well mean that none of them succeed.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Doesn't affect the Kolpak ruling CUW. This is young non-eligible players they are recruiting to make eligible.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Isn't there some sort of PI exclusion and as Hayes played for Fiji he fits the bill?
CUW
Guest
http://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/france-countries/french-rugby-looking-close-foreign-player-loopholes-55584
Josef Stalin
Guest
Why does everyone play at Toulon in France, do they play themselves every weekend? Surely there are other clubs in France. Personally, I would play in Paris or Bordeux. Biaritz would be appealing, but Toulon. Pfft, a town full of French skates.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Brush up on the Kolpak ruling. Here's a brief summary here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolpak_ruling "citizens of countries which have signed European Union Association Agreements have the same right to freedom of work and movement within the EU as EU citizens. Thus any restrictions placed on their right to work (such as quotas setting maximum numbers of such foreign players in sports teams) are deemed illegal under EU law"
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
Also there are import quotas. 55% of a clubs squad and 12 of their match day 23 must be made up of players having played 3 years in Frances youth academy or 5 seasons registered in French rugby by age 21. Your post is confusing. You say there is no cap or restrictions but say they have replaced Quade with an import already? Im not sure how short term deals impact quotas but I know they are severe if you break the rules.
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
So you are trying to suggest that overseas players dont fall under the salary cap? First Ive heard of that. Actually I think that is just wrong. I will look it up. Yeah they are under the salary cap. What did you mean?
A.O.Tear Rower
Guest
You are the only one in the entire world saying that and that includes Hayne.
KD
Roar Rookie
Would only be a money grabbing exercise to play in france for a few months then straight back to league, but can't toulon offering big bucks for a guy whose never played and will be leaving for another sport midseason. Wouldn't mind seeing ARU offer a topup for him to sign with the force and after a 3 year international stand down he will be eligible to play for aus providing he plays 4 sevens world series
Harry
Guest
Just for Brent and others information there is no salary cap or restrictions on signing foreigners for French rugby union. Also Toulon have already signed an international back to "replace" Quade. Anyway good luck to Wayne Beavis however Hayne Hype is now well and truly into the vaudeville stage.
Smell the fear
Guest
A guy from a radio station says "could" be heading? Well it must be certain