CONFUSION reigned about Jarryd Hayne’s playing status with the Fijian sevens rugby team before tournament organisers confirmed the code-hopping footballer would be part of their squad for the London Sevens.

Fiji Rugby’s official Facebook page initially listed Hayne as part of the 12-man group for the season-ending tournament in what is effectively his only chance to impress coach Ben Ryan in match conditions.

Then came the news that the man he was set to replace, Vatemo Ravouvou, hadn’t officially been ruled out.

But a short time later, organisers confirmed Ravouvou had been scratched with a knee injury, handing Hayne a spot in the squad.

The convoluted pathway to his first rugby sevens fixture was perhaps apt given the recent road Hayne has travelled.

Both Hayne and Dakuwaqa late replacements after Tuwai and Ravouvou confirmed injured by tournament team doctor #London7s — World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 20, 2016

In less than two years, he went from top shelf rugby league player with Parramatta, NSW and Australia to a NFL running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

Hayne then only landed in London on Monday, hours after quitting American football.

He cited the August Rio Olympics as his primary motivation for walking out on a lucrative NFL contract to link up with the world beating Fijians.

The suggestion was he would have struggled to make the final roster for the 49ers this season anyway.

On arrival in London, Hayne claimed he was taking baby steps as he worked towards fulfilling his Rio ambition.

This weekend’s Twickenham tournament is the last on this season’s World Series circuit, and Hayne’s best opportunity to convince Ryan he’s worthy of a trip to Rio.

WHAT THE FIJIANS THINK OF HAYNE

‘THERE’S NOT ONE PLAYER I’D SUB OUT FOR HAYNE’

I love this picture so much I'll repeat tweet it! "If you love life, life will love you back" #veilomani pic.twitter.com/ylxYhxMcUe — Ben Ryan Fiji 7s (@benjaminryan) May 19, 2016

He’ll have a small but significant window to prove that not only is he capable of playing rugby sevens, but that he’s good enough to force his way into the world’s best team.

Many past and present players have questioned Hayne’s fitness levels this week after a season in the far less aerobically taxing NFL.

Australian forward Jesse Parahi, who started the year with the Wests Tigers in the NRL but has since returned to Sevens rugby, told Sky Sports Radio this week that Hayne was facing a baptism of fire.

“Six months out of the game and I’m feeling like I fell behind quite a bit, so I think it’ll be pretty tough for Jarryd moving forward,” Parahi said.

Osea Kolinisau and Jarryd Hayne trains with Fiji ahead of the London Sevens. Photo: Martin Seras Lima. Source: Supplied

“(Sevens) is a completely different beast to the NRL and more so the NFL.

“It’s really short but you’re left on your feet for 14 minutes.”

Fiji only need to make the quarter-finals in London this weekend to secure back-to-back World Series titles.

They’ve already won three of the nine World Series rounds to date.

They finished second to Samoa at the last round in Paris, their second runners-up finish of the series, and also boast two third placings.

They’ve been drawn against Australia, England and Wales in their pool this weekend.

Fiji’s three pool games at Twickenham.

Game one: Fiji v England, Saturday 9.04pm (Fox Sports red button)

Game two: Fiji v Wales, Saturday 11.48pm (Fox Sports red button)

Game three: Fiji v Australia, Sunday 2.54am (Fox Sports red button)

NEW PODCAST! Australian women’s sevens star Tiana Penitani joins Sean Maloney and Sam Worthington to chat rugby and nutrition

All of the action from Twickenham will be live on the FOX SPORTS Red Button on Saturday 21 May (6.15pm to 4am) and on FOX SPORTS 2 on Sunday 22 May (6.15pm to 4am)