Rugby league star Jarryd Hayne has been accused of committing rape while playing American football in the US.
Jarryd Hayne, right, turned out for Fiji in last month's Rugby League World Cup. Photo: NRL / Scott Davis
Civil lawsuit documents filed to the Santa Clara County Court in California on Wednesday (NZ time) claim Hayne had non-consensual sexual intercourse in December, 2015 with a woman only identified as "Ms V."
It was being reported the alleged rape was first reported to police in May last year, but was reviewed and rejected by the District Attorney's office due to a lack of evidence to prove Hayne was guilty of the offence.
"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'," attorney John Clune said in a statement provided to news.com.au.
"He then had nonconsensual sexual intercourse with her, causing her significant physical pain."
Hayne's manager Wayne Beavis has told The Daily Telegraph he was unaware of the allegations.
Hayne played nine seasons in the NRL for the Parramatta Eels before his shock announcement in October, 2014 he was leaving for the US to pursue a career in the NFL.
He eventually signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March, 2015 and went on to play six games as a punt returner and running back that season before being waived by the team.
After spending the majority of the season on the team's practice squad, he returned to the main roster and played the last two games of the 49ers 2015 campaign.
Hayne retired from the NFL in May last year and eventually singed on for the 2017 NRL season with the Gold Coast Titans, before turning out for Fiji in last month's Rugby League World Cup.
He will return to play for the Eels for the 2018 NRL.