OT: Former Rugby player joining 49ers offseason roster
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.
I think he's going to have a tough time making the transition.
I thought I saw yesterday that the Lions had signed him. Must have misread.
He met with Detroit, Seattle and SF recently. There was interest in Detroit, but he ultimately chose SF.
There is no part of Australia that would prepare someone for a winter in Michigan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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