"As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn't ready yet. During my time with the team, I pushed my body above and beyond. I used all my experience as a professional athlete and have tried everyday and in every way possible to make this team and make it better but unfortunately, time has been against me." Scepticism: ARU figures were unsure if Jarryd Hayne was serious about the 15-man code. Credit:Getty Images Hayne shocked the sporting world on May 16 when he announced he was retiring from the NFL to chase Olympic glory with the Fiji rugby sevens team. Despite never having played the game, Hayne attempted to make the 12-man Fiji team and was selected for the season-ending London Sevens. However, he only played limited minutes in each game, where he looked underdone compared to the frenetic pace of the short-form of the game. Fiji made the semi finals in the tournament, which secured their second consecutive World Series.

"I've loved every minute of training with the Fiji Rugby 7's," he said in his Facebook post. "Not only are they back to back world champions but they are a bunch of guys who have welcomed me into the team as one of their own family." "It was hard to comprehend and understand at first why I came here? Why God put me here, but deep down I knew there was a reason and a purpose. God takes you places not so you can achieve what you set out for, but to play a part and help something greater than yourself. "This has been an amazing journey for me and a truly humbling experience. I have learnt so much and will never forget my time with this team. "I want to thank Ben and the entire coaching staff, the players and especially the fans. The support of the Fijian fans and fans around the world over the past few months has been incredible. I am mesmerised at the love and passion people have for the 7's". Ryan said that one of the biggest hurdles for Hayne was the the limited time he had to prepare for the Olympics.

"The biggest hurdle for him was the timeframe. It was a very short runway for him to get to the fitness levels and understanding needed and go past any of our current squad members," Ryan told Fiji Rugby. "Knowing that, we both also felt it was worth giving it a crack and seeing how far he could go. He also added hugely to the squad with his attitude off and on the field and I have no doubt this has improved everyone's performance levels and helped the team in their pursuit of Olympic success." "The camp has an excellent environment and Hayne definitely added to it." "With a week to go to selection, I could see that he was not going to have enough time remaining to make the cut. I didn't want to push him so far that I caused injury and also had no intention of putting him through another huge week when I had already decided upon his selection." "As I expected, his reaction to all this was gold standard. A few more weeks and his selection decision may well have been different. If he decides to stay in union then I have no doubt he will make a world class centre or fullback."

The Fijian squad will be named on July 16. Hayne said he would return to Sydney at the end of the week before deciding what his next step would be. He has previously been linked to a return to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels or Sydney Roosters, although it has been rumoured the NSW Waratahs are interested in bringing the code-jumper to the 15-man game. Loading The Eels now have salary cap space for their former superstar after Kieran Foran left the club due to personal issues last week.