THE civil lawsuit accusing Jarryd Hayne of rape has been moved up to the US federal court system because he is an Australian citizen and could be ordered to pay a substantial amount in damages to the alleged victim if he loses the case.

The lawsuit was originally filed in the lower Superior Court of California, but the Parramatta Eels backline star’s Los Angeles-based legal team requested it be moved to the US District Court.

An email in a new court filing also indicates the alleged victim’s lawyers requested Hayne fly to California to attend February mediation talks in an attempt to resolve the matter.

“I have relayed your request that Jarryd make the flight and attend the mediation, and that you may not want to mediate without knowing that is the case upfront,” Hayne’s lawyer Mark Baute wrote in an email on January 17 to the alleged victim’s lawyers.

Round 20

Jarryd Hayne in action for the Eels. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

The woman, known as JV to protect her identity, alleges she was a virgin and heavily intoxicated when she met Hayne at a San Jose bar in 2015, they caught an Uber to his apartment and he sexually assaulted her.

Hayne was a member of the San Francisco 49ers’ NFL team when the incident allegedly occurred.

Hayne rejects the woman’s claims and alleged she “willingly engaged in sexual interaction that did not include sexual intercourse”.

Hayne’s lawyers have demanded the lawsuit be dismissed with prejudice and Hayne recover his costs and lawyer fees.

Hayne wrote a declaration to the court confirming his citizenship, Australian residency and lack of ties to the US to support the move to the federal court.

“I am currently still a full time resident of Australia, living in Western Sydney, Australia,” Hayne wrote.

“I have a one and a half year old daughter who is also an Australian citizen and resides in Australia.

“I am under contract to play rugby league with the National Rugby League club Parramatta Eels.”

Baute and the alleged victim’s lawyer, Micha Star Liberty, did not reply to AAP’s request for comment.