Jarryd Hayne arrives in Israel after denying rape accusations
Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne has arrived in Israel after being accused of rape while he was playing with the San Francisco 49ers during his stint in the NFL
Hayne, who issued a statement through his lawyer denying the woman's accusations, left Sydney overnight, bound for Israel.
Surrounded by a small entourage, he touched down in Tel Aviv on Thursday morning but did not answer any questions from waiting media.
Hayne, a devout christian, previously travelled to Jerusalem where he was baptised in the Jordan River.
The star is now facing a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a woman in 2015.
The 11-page document claims the woman was drinking at a bar when she went home with Hayne and became heavily intoxicated.
Hayne has denied any wrongdoing through his legal representative, Ramy Qutami.
"Mr Hayne and his management are aware of recent media speculation in relation to a civil complaint filed in the United States of America making certain allegations in relation to an event which allegedly occurred in 2015 whilst playing for the San Francisco 49ers," Qutami said.
"Mr Hayne has not been served with any proceedings or formal complaint relating to the incident.
"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. Mr Hayne will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter."
