OT: Former Rugby player joining 49ers offseason roster

Submitted by GoWings2008 on

Didn't see this posted yesterday, but seemed interesting.  27 year old Australian Jarryd Hayne, who played for the Parramatta Eels, will join the SF off season roster and will be able to start working out with the team on April 6th. 

He also visited the Lions and the Seahawks after his club gave him conditional release in October to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.  He had an unofficial 40-yd dash time of 4.53 and seems a good fit as a RB or kick returner.

Link:  http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/former-rugby-star-jarryd-hayne-set-to-begin-training-with-49ers/ar-BBiao8Q

 

ScruffyTheJanitor

March 3rd, 2015 at 9:24 AM ^

Daniel Adongo may stick around, but I always thought his hips were to narrow for his size and position (3-4 OLB at 6'5", 270).  This kid looks a lot more suited to the NFL, but the transition seems hard. 

goblue224

March 3rd, 2015 at 9:29 AM ^

I think this is an interesting signing. I played both rugby and football in HS so I can relate to the transition between sports (while obviously not on a professional level).

While the physical and mental aspects and requirements are similar, the strategy and execution are so different I don't think much will come of this besides publicity.

GoBlueDenver

March 3rd, 2015 at 10:16 AM ^

Wikipedia lists him as 6'2" 220 lbs., so he doesn't strike me as a speedster type returner. I'd be surprised if he picks up some of the necessary aspects of a RB like following blockers, picking up blocks, etc. Athletically, he's obviously there if there are enough teams that look at him. Honestly, I"m surprised they're not interested in trying him at safety because of those above things. Or LB... since he wouldn't have to do as much running around as in rugby, he might be able to bulk up and try that spot.

I'm nterested to see how this turns out. A ton of former football guys (some NFL, even) are turning to rugby, but rarely does it happen the other way around. 

DealerCamel

March 3rd, 2015 at 10:35 AM ^

Having to read blocks and pick your way through traffic is much different than advancing towards a line and choosing the perfect moment to pitch or fake.

I'll be interested to see how this plays out.

Blau

March 3rd, 2015 at 11:45 AM ^

If this really is his first time playing organized NFL football, I feel bad that he has to play for Jim Tomsula. I'm all for the blue-collar, simpleton getting his chance but sometimes a D line coach is just a D line coach. He's not a bad guy but I also don't think he's an NFL head coach just yet.

michclub19

March 3rd, 2015 at 12:40 PM ^

I agree with a lot on this board in thinking it's going to be tough for him.  From what I've seen, admittedly only Rugby 7s, rugby has more 1-on-1 scenarios.  In american football you must rely on your teammates more (blocking, finding holes, etc).  Not to mention that probably his greatest asset, endurance, will be undermined by stopping after every play.  Not sure if you've seen rugby but those guys go constantly for 5-7 minutes at a time!

Gr1mlock

March 3rd, 2015 at 12:41 PM ^

Point of clarification, my memory from the article I read on him last week is he's not just a "former rugby player", he's a 2 time MVP/Player of the Year in Australia's top league.   Still no clue if he has the skills to be an NFL, but the guy is coming in with a really good athletic pedigree.

fergusg

March 3rd, 2015 at 10:16 PM ^

Couple of points:
1. He is a rugby league player, not a rugby player. They are two different games. League more stop start then rugby...but not like football.
2. He ran a 4.53 40 - so he's pretty quick
3. Fully agree it's gonna be tough switching to following blockers over picking gaps in open space and making a play. Kick returner is a possibility though.




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CoachBP6

March 3rd, 2015 at 11:25 PM ^

Short yardage and goal line are two things he could excel at but I have a tough time seeing him making the transition. Good luck to him though.