JARRYD Hayne’s management were seeking clarification on the star’s ability to play sevens after it emerged anti-doping protocols could scuttle his Olympic bid before it ​begins.

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings responded to news Hayne had quit the NFL to join the Fiji camp as early as this week ahead of the London Sevens by questioning his eligibility to even play.

Ings stated Hayne would be unlikely to play any professional sport, including rugby sevens, for at least six months pending time spent in a registered drug-testing pool.

media_camera Jarryd Hayne has not been under WADA compliance rules while in the NFL.

Athletes who return from retirement, or come into a​ ​sport observing the WADA code, must register for testing and are not able to compete for six months​ to ensure they are clean​.

“If Jarryd Hayne had been playing in WADA compliant sport he would have grounds to reduce the 6 months. But NFL is PED badlands. No chance,” Ings tweeted.

“The 6 month return to competition rule is standard across most sports for athletes returning to international competition. And necessary.

“The rule equally applies to reinstatement or to new players. Sensibly it must or any NFL player could bulk up and play.”

Exemptions can be sought by athletes from WADA on the grounds of a six-month wait being “manifestly unfair”.

media_camera Richard Ings doesn’t believe Hayne will be eligible to play at Rio.

Hayne’s manager Wayne Beavis said he was​ ​making​ ​contact with the Fijian camp to ensure his client was eligible to play.

“We will double check it but we’ve been assured everything will be okay,” Beavis said.

“They have said they’ve ticked all the boxes and as far as I know he is sweet to go.”

Sources say Fiji are likely to have sought an exemption from World Rugby and WADA for Hayne. He could then be subjected to strict testing in the months leading up to the Olympics.

The World Rugby anti-doping protocols make no mention of an athlete switching codes - only those returning from retirement - so it would appear WADA’s determination will be crucial on Hayne’s case.

Hayne could be take solace from the fact he is not the first NFL convert to be pushing for Olympic selection.

Patriots safety Nate Ebner is part of the USA team currently playing on the World Sevens Series. Ebner took leave from the Patriots in March to return to rugby, and was playing for the USA within a month.

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