SAN FRANCISCO - Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne is getting his shot to play in the NFL.
Hayne passed a physical and signed a three-year contract Tuesday with the San Francisco 49ers. The team announced the deal for the undrafted free agent, who said his deal includes $100,000 in guaranteed money.
Hayne decided last year to give up his career in the Australian National Rugby League to pursue an NFL job across the world. He likely will compete for a job as a running back and return man on special teams.
The 27-year-old Hayne, who is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, held a news conference in Sydney to announce he would join the 49ers.
San Francisco is beginning to build a roster for new coach Jim Tomsula, who replaced the departed Jim Harbaugh in mid-January after the Niners (8-8) missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season and following three straight trips to the NFC championship game.
Hayne spent the past nine years - from 2006-14 - with the Parramatta Eels. Last season, he won several Dally M Awards, which are given to the best and fairest player during the entire National Rugby League regular season.
He was named Player of the Year, Best Fullback, Top Tryscorer and Representative Player.