Jarryd Hayne denies accusations of rape by US woman
NRL star Jarryd Hayne has "unequivocally and vehemently" denied allegations that he raped a woman in the United Stated in late 2015 while contracted with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.
In a civil suit, the woman claims Hayne took her back to his San Jose home and raped her when she was drunk.
She met some of Hayne's friends when working at a local restaurant and they all caught up after a 49ers game, documents lodged in a County of Santa Clara court state.
The suit paperwork says that on the night of the alleged assault, December 21, 2015, the victim, identified as Ms V, who was a virgin at the time, "was unable to consent to sexual intercourse".
Attorney John Clune is quoted as saying in the suit: "Mr Hayne brought our client back to his home, approached her in the dark, turned her around as to not face him and told her 'no kissing'".
"He then had nonconsensual sexual intercourse with her, causing her significant physical pain," Mr Clune is quoted as saying in the suit paperwork.
"When Ms V awoke the following morning, still experiencing tremendous vaginal pain, she was naked and covered in a single sheet on a bed with a large pool of blood next to her," another attorney, Micha Star Liberty is quoted as saying.
"Afraid to come forward for several months, the plaintiff eventually sought medical treatment for the continued vaginal pain," the paperwork states.
"The following month she was finally able emotionally to report the rape to the police."
Hayne issued a statement via his solicitor Ramy Qutami on Wednesday evening denying the allegations made against him.
"Mr Hayne has not been served with any proceedings or formal complaint relating to the incident," the statement read.
"Mr Hayne previously addressed a complaint made to the District Attorney's office in the County of Santa Clara, California in 2016 and the District Attorney did not proceed any further with the matter due to insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. Mr Hayne provided all reasonable assistance to the District Attorney with that investigation.
"Mr Hayne unequivocally and vehemently denies the allegations which are the subject of the civil complaint."
The documents say the woman, who isn't named, took Hayne's "undergarment" following the alleged rape in case she needed proof of the incident.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office reviewed the criminal case after the woman went to the police in May 2016, California's The Mercury News reports.
The case was rejected in October 2016, however, due to insufficient evidence.
The Parramatta Eels, the club which Hayne is contacted to, have released a statement from Parramatta National Rugby League Chairman Max Donnelly regarding the matter.
"The club has been made aware of serious allegations regarding Jarryd Hayne during his time with the San Francisco 49ers," the statement said.
"We were unaware of these allegations until they were made public today.
"As with any legal matter, it is important that we follow due process and ensure that we review all relevant information available, including giving Jarryd the opportunity to respond.
"The Club will continue to monitor the situation and when appropriate we will provide an update to members and media."
The Rugby League Players' association (RLPA) also released a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming it is aware of the allegations made against Hayne.
"The RLPA would like to reiterate that there is a legal process that needs to be followed through and respected.
"We urge the public to respect the privacy of the individuals involved, particularly while due process is being followed."
