Jarryd Hayne’s Olympic dream is still alive after the former NRL and NFL player was included in Fiji’s initial 23-man rugby sevens squad for the Games in Rio.
Hayne, who quit the San Francisco 49ers last month to pursue his Olympic ambitions with the Pacific nation, failed to stand out on debut for Ben Ryan’s side during the London leg of the World Series, but got the nod in the extended pre-tournament group announced on Saturday.
That list will be shortened to a final 13 by the time the Games start in Brazil on 5 August, giving Hayne limited time on the training ground to convince selectors he deserves a spot in the squad.
The Fiji Rugby Union’s website said coach Ryan faced a “daunting task’ in identifying the 10 players to be cut.
At Twickenham – which hosted the final instalment of the World Series – Hayne was given few chances to impress, featuring for just 11 minutes over the entire weekend, yet he still lifted the trophy with his new team-mates after they finished fourth and secured the overall title.
Fiji, who go into camp at the Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour on 13 June, will head to Rio as strong gold medal contenders.
Fiji squad: 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, Waisea Nayacalevu.
