ONE of rugby league’s biggest names has been caught up in the current wave of sex assault allegations sweeping the United States.
Parramatta Eels’ new signing Jarryd Hayne has been accused of sexual assault, although he vehemently denies the allegations.
Hayne has hired a Sydney law firm to defend him against the claims, which are contained in a civil lawsuit filed in California.
The suit is in relation to an alleged incident in 2015 in San Jose, California, when Hayne was playing for NFL team the San Francisco 49ers.
A young woman known as ‘Ms V’ has accused Hayne of sexually assaulting her.
A complaint was originally lodged with the District Attorney’s office in 2016, however, no action was taken due to insufficient evidence.
The Parramatta club says it was unaware of the claims before the suit became public Wednesday.
It’s understood the NRL is unlikely to ban Hayne until the matter is resolved.
