- Jarryd Hayne has joined the Fiji team
- Advances to the Pacific Championship
- He was released from prison on June 12 of this year.
Outraged football fans have criticized Fiji’s decision to appoint Jarryd Hayne as a national team mentor, but some are defending the controversial former NRL superstar.
The former Parramatta Eels defender has returned to top-flight football four months after being released from prison when his rape conviction was overturned.
The 36-year-old was invited to the team’s camp for the Pacific championship, which begins on Friday.
The former NRL best and fairest winner also made a move to join the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and represented the Fiji rugby sevens team during his career.
Hayne spoke to the media during a training session on Monday, where he stated that Fiji had come a long way after the 2008 World Cup. He added that it was “amazing” to be involved with the international team once again.
Fans were left divided on social media after Jarryd Hayne (pictured) was named as a mentor by the Fiji team for the Pacific Championships.
The appointment of the 36-year-old (pictured leaving jail after serving time for a rape conviction that was later overturned) was approved by the NRL.
The former Fiji star (pictured playing for Fiji in 2018) will work with the national team after being offered the role by his coach.
“Yesterday, on the way to the airport, we were watching that 2008 (World Cup) documentary, following us around the village,” Hayne told reporters in Suva on Monday.
‘It’s been a long journey… 16 to 17 years. From military barracks to now we are in five-star hotels.
‘We have come a long way. It’s always good to remember the past.’
Hayne was released from prison on June 12 after his convictions were overturned. Before that, he had spent a year behind bars.
A jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent in April 2023. He had been accused of raping a woman in Newcastle after the 2018 NRL Grand Final.
He has since kept a low profile since being photographed with the Fiji national team on Monday.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to express their views on Hayne’s new role.
Fans were left divided over his inclusion in Fiji’s squad ahead of the Pacific Championships.
‘What a kick in the gut for the NRLW. “He should be kicked out,” wrote one Reddit user.
‘Oh, he’ll be a mentor. They will use him as an example of what happens when you are an entitled, overrated flagellator,” said another.
One added: ‘Is this a joke?’ before another on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: ‘How did the NRL sign this duo?’
‘Fiji, you’re better than that!’ said another user.
Fans were left divided by the news, with one writing: “Good for him.” Happy to be involved again despite the majority criticizing the appointment
But some claimed they were “happy” Hayne had been given the chance to return to the sport.
During his career, Hayne made 120 appearances for Fiji between 2008 and 2018.
One wrote in X: ‘Good for him. “Happy he’s involved in the game again.”
“It’s great to see,” added another.
