hayne
Jarryd Hayne was waived by the San Francisco 49ers before their Week 9 matchup. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

On the same day Australia lost to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup, an Australian rugby star lost his battle to remain on an NFL roster. The San Francisco 49ers waived former Jarryd Hayne on Saturday, after he failed to make an impact in seven games.

Hayne, 27, signed a three-year deal with the 49ers in March and was used as a running back and punt returner. He gained attention after successfully making the transition from a rugby player to an NFL player when he made the 49ers' 53-man roster.

Hayne was cut to make room for Kendall Gaskins, who was promoted from the practice squad.

In the 49ers' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Hayne had four carries for 13 yards, including a nine-yard run, but he also muffed a punt that resulted in a turnover. Against the Green Bay Packers, Hayne signaled for a fair catch on a punt, but was hit by his teammate which resulted in a fumble. Hayne had another setback on Oct. 18 when he fumbled on his first punt return against the Baltimore Ravens.

Hayne only had four other carries outside of the game against the Vikings. The rookie finished with eight carries for 25 yards.

The 49ers have four running backs and one fullback on their roster. Carlos Hyde, who has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams, is the team's leading rusher (470 yards), followed by quarterback Colin Kaepernick (228 yards). Hayne was considered expendable after Hyde's injury.