Hayne signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent on March 3, 2015. The former Parramatta Eels star appeared in six games this season and registered eight carries for 25 yards and returned eight punts for 76 yards on special teams.

The former rugby league star's dramatic rise to the NFL was one of the feelgood stories of the pre-season but after a few glimpses of potential, he struggled to cope with the demands of playing a new sport at the elite level.

WIll he return?: 49ers offensive co-ordinator Gepp Chryst says Jarryd Hayne remains a part of the team's plans. Credit:Getty Images

His playing future will be the source of much speculation. He is now able to be signed by any of the other 31 NFL franchises although there will be talk that he may return to the NRL.

Although he displayed potential as a running back or in the role of kick returner, it appears the San Francisco coaching staff has decided to abandon the project of converting him into a bona fide NFL star.