Jarryd Hayne has been dropped from the Vodafone Fiji 7s Olympic training squad for the final week of selection.
Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, John O’Connor confirms that coach, Ben Ryan and Hayne met at the end of last week’s camp and both decided that Hayne’s journey to Rio had come to an end.
Ryan highlighted to Hayne that he has had an amazing few weeks and committed 100% to the programme.
He says it has been the most physically and mentally draining "stress cycle" he has put a Fijian squad through and not once has Hayne shirked putting in the effort.
Ryan stated that one of the biggest hurdles for Hayne was the timeframe, but he had contributed hugely to the squad’s attitude.
He says Hayne added hugely to the squad with his attitude off and on the field and he has no doubt this has improved everyone's performance levels and helped the team in their pursuit of Olympic success.
The team to Rio will be announced this Saturday and Ryan says that after much consideration he knew that Hayne would not have had enough time to prove himself to make the selection.
Ben Ryan says if Hayne decides to stay in Rugby Union then he has no doubt Hayne will make a world class centre or full back.
He says he would recommend him highly to any organisation.
Hayne announced on his official facebook page earlier today that he had a meeting with Ben Ryan to discuss his future with the national team and he was informed that his time has ended.
The former Parramatta Eels player says that as much as he would have loved to go to Rio, he too knew he wasn't ready yet.
Hayne says during his time with the team, he pushed his body above and beyond.
He says he used all his experience as a professional athlete and tried everyday and in every way possible to make the team and make it better but unfortunately, time was against him.
Hayne says he has loved every minute of training with the Fiji 7s team.
He says not only are they back to back world champions but they are a bunch of guys who have welcomed him into the team as one of their own family.
Hayne says this has been an amazing journey for him and a truly humbling experience.
He thanked Ben Ryan and the entire coaching staff, the players and especially the fans.
Hayne will be in camp with the team until mid‑week before heading back home to Sydney for some time out and will determine his next steps from there.
Hayne says he will enjoy watching from afar and wish the Fiji 7s team all the best of luck on their road to Rio.
He says he will miss the prayers twice a day, the endless laughs and his man Sharkie, Masivesi Dakuwaqa.
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