Australian rugby player Jarryd Hayne is now a transcontinental sports star, now that he is officially a member of the U.S. National Football League's San Francisco 49ers.
Hayne announced Saturday on Twitter that he made the legendary (American style football) franchise's 53-man regular season roster.
"IT ALWAYS WORKS OUT!," Hayne exuberantly tweeted to his followers. "I thank GOD for WHAT HE has done and going to do on this incredible journey!!"
The 27-year-old Hayne stunned Australians last year after walking away from his sterling career in the National Rugby League, where he was twice named the league's most valuable player, and traveled to the United States to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.
He signed a three-year deal with San Francisco last March as an undrafted free agent after trying out with a number of teams.
Hayne won over the 49ers coaching staff after impressive performances during the just-concluded preseason -- he earned 175 total yards as a running back, finishing second among all rushers, plus gained 163 yards as a punt returner.
Some information for this report came from AP, AFP and Reuters.
