Jarryd Hayne denies accusations of rape in US during 49ers NFL stint

NRL star Jarryd Hayne has vehemently denied he raped a woman in the United States in 2015 when he was playing gridiron with the San Francisco 49ers.

Jarryd Hayne runs the ball during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between the Australian Kangaroos and Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on November 24. Source: Getty

In court documents filed 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 documents say the woman, who isn't named, took Hayne's "undergarment" in case she needed proof of the alleged incident.

Hayne rejected the allegations in a statement released by his Sydney lawyer Ramy Qutami on Wednesday.

"He unequivocally and vehemently denies the allegations which are the subject of the civil complaint," the statement read.

Jarryd Hayne is seen during the Fiji Captain's Run at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Source: AAP

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.

Hayne said he had previously provided "all reasonable assistance" to authorities after the woman went to police.

Hayne's club, The Parramatta Eels released the following statement: 

"The Club has been made aware of serious allegations regarding Jarryd Hayne during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.  We were unaware of these allegations until they were made public today," Chairman Max Donnelly said. 

"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 NRL said the Integrity Unit would continue to monitor the civil case.

“We note that the police in the United States did not proceed with any criminal proceedings but we will review the information available and continue to monitor the civil case,” a spokesman said.

The Rugby League Players Association has told SBS that it was a private matter before the courts and would not be making any comment at this stage. 

They said they were trying to get in touch with Hayne and his support team as soon as possible.