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'No room' for Hayne in New Zealand Super Rugby squads, try France

Jarryd Hayne of Fiji celebrates after winning the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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With renewed speculation that Fijian international Sevens star Jarryd Hayne would complete another code-switch, it appears as though doors will be closed in New Zealand.

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Hayne is off-contract with NRL club Parramatta Eels at the end of the season, and with salary cap concerns he may have to look elsewhere. With the 2019 Rugby World Cup just around the corner, a switch to rugby would enable Hayne to be considered for Fiji, who have publicly expressed they would consider his form if he were in the game.

With New Zealand to announce Super Rugby squads next week, Hayne could fit in under the Pacific-eligible player quota for any of the squads. This, however, is shaping to be unlikely with the NZ Herald reporting there will be ‘no room’ at the Blues, and slim chances of landing at the Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders or Highlanders either.

The 30-year-old fullback is unlikely to find a home in New Zealand, and will likely have to look to France unless he is prepared to consider an Australian Super franchise.

However, a massive barrier for Hayne would be the asking price, with few Australian Super teams able to match his NRL-salary. Without being eligible for Australia, Rugby Australia wouldn’t be able to sweeten the deal with a top-up arrangement.

There have reportedly been several French rugby clubs lining up to talk with Hayne’s agent so a European move is on the cards if he is serious about playing for Fiji next year.

In other news:

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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