The San Francisco 49ers signed Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne, an undrafted free agent, to a three-year deal Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Hayne spent the past nine years in the National Rugby League, winning numerous Dally M Awards, which are given to the best and fairest player over the regular season, as well as Player of the Year, Best Fullback, Top Tryscorer and Representative Player.

Hayne, 27, reportedly drew interest from the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, as well. He signed with the 49ers on a futures contract, and he said the $100,000 that San Francisco pledged was the only offer he received with a financial guarantee.

Hayne said part of the reason he chose the 49ers was the presence of coach Jim Tomsula, a veteran of NFL Europe, where part of the job including instructing football newcomers.

He is viewed as a potential running back, who might start out as a special teams player while he learns the nuances of football.

Hayne posted on his Twitter account, “Today a dream becomes a reality. With God anything is POSSIBLE.”

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said, “You’re looking for great athletes to make the transition because the guys on our level are fantastic athletes. But there is just a lot of general carry over because it’s running, and making people miss, and hitting, and tackling, and being tough and physical and all that stuff.”