LONDON: Jarryd Hayne made his debut for Fiji in the World Rugby Sevens in London on Saturday in the latest Olympic twist to the Australian-born back's star-studded code-crossing adventure.
Hayne last week abandoned playing NFL with the San Francisco 49ers to pursue a spot on Fiji's sevens squad for this year's Rio Games.
The 28-year-old's run out for Fiji at Twickenham was his debut in rugby union, having previously starred for Parramatta Eels in the Australian NRL, during which time he won 12 caps for the Kangaroos and four for Fiji, from where his father hailed.
In London, Hayne, who played 20 times for New South Wales at full-back or centre in the State of Origin, started on the bench for the reigning series champions and current series leaders.
But England bucked the script, Dan Norton, Alex Gray and Alex Davis crossing for three long-distance first-half tries before Stade Francais winger Waisea Nayacalevu pulled one back for Fiji.
Norton scored a splendid second try before Hayne was introduced for the final four minutes.
Masivesi Dakuwaqa went over for Fiji's second before Hayne finally touched the ball after the hooter had sounded, Tom Bowen capitalising on a speculative offload to seal a comfortable 31-10 victory for the home side.
Fellow cross-code import Sonny Bill Williams, who made his name in rugby league before going on to win two World Cup titles with the All Blacks, was in no doubt when asked if he'd given Hayne any advice.
"Work on your fitness!" said Williams, before adding that Hayne "would be fine".
Nick Cummins, who is also pursuing hs Olympic dream with the Australia sevens team after winning 15 Wallaby caps, added: "Old Hayney's not a bad rooster, is he?!
"He's a special athlete and he'll have quite an impact for the Fijian side, I reckon he'd be good."
Former New Zealand captain Karl Te Nana, now a respected television commentator, added: "It's always going to be tough, you try to get involved. He needs some time in the saddle, it's great to see him get on the field at least.
"The game had been lost by then, but now he's got the feel of it, he's into the tournament and hopefully the next game and going forward he'll get more game time."
Hayne will no doubt have further opportunities at England's rugby union headquarters when Fiji cross swords with pool rivals Wales and Australia later in the day.
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