Watch: Converted rugby player Jarryd Hayne fumbles on first NFL touch

Converted Australian rugby league player Jarryd Hayne fumbled on his first NFL punt return.

Converted Australian rugby league player Jarryd Hayne fumbled on his first NFL punt return in Monday night’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings. 

Hayne, 27, abandoned his award-winning career in Australia’s National Rugby League last October. He signed with the 49ers in March and made the team as a punt returner and reserve running back after impressing in the preseason. 

On Minnesota’s first punt of the game Hayne misplayed the ball and allowed the Vikings to recover.

According to reporters on the scene in Santa Clara, the ball may have been caught in a stiff breeze.

After his error, Hayne’s former league and his fellow countryman Matthew Dellavedova tweeted their support. 

• ESPN commentators honor late Frank Gifford with throwback jackets​

We're backing you @jarrydhayne_1 - onto the next one 👊@49ers @NFL #NRL

— NRL (@NRL) September 15, 2015

Bugger.. Tough first play for Hayne. Hope he gets another chance to return soon!

— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) September 15, 2015

Hayne’s NFL debut received plenty of media coverage in Australia, with The Sydney Morning Heraldrunning a live blog. 

- Dan Gartland