Hayne returning to rugby league to join Fiji coaching staff

Share
Jarryd Hayne is returning to rugby league after six years away from the sport, part of which was spent in jail on sexual assault charges.
Jarryd Hayne is returning to rugby league after six years away from the sport, part of which was spent in jail on sexual assault charges.

Jarryd Hayne is returning to rugby league after six years away from the sport, part of which was spent in jail on sexual assault charges.

The 36-year-old former Dally M winner has joined Fiji’s coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships. Fiji is playing in the Pacific Bowl and will face Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

Context

Hayne was accused of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman at her Newcastle home in 2018. The case went to three separate trials. The first trial resulted in a hung jury. The second trial resulted in a guilty verdict and the former Parramatta Eels star spent almost two years in jail.

He was freed in June after he successfully appealed the guilty verdict.

Hayne returning

Fiji coach Wise Kativerata told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I wanted to make sure he was okay. He was happy to hear from us. After a while, I told him about rugby league in Fiji and how it really needed a lift. Then I asked him to come along and help with the team because I knew that it would be good for him and good for us.”

Become smarter in three minutes

Get the daily email that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Stay informed, for free.

Be the smart friend in your group chat

Join thousands of young Aussies and get our 5 min daily newsletter on what matters in your world.

It’s easy. It’s trustworthy. It’s free.