Lions reportedly interested in rugby star Jarryd Hayne

The Lions reportedly are one of six NFL teams interested in former National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne.

The Guardian reports that the Lions' interest was sparked by running back Reggie Bush, who met Hayne during a promotional trip to Australia over the summer.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Monday he had heard of Hayne but had no other knowledge of the Lions' possible interest.

"I can't tell you much about that. I know who he is, obviously, but I don't know what I'm supposed to tell you," Caldwell said. '" have no knowledge of it in that regard.

"It could be a personnel issue, but I'm not aware of it."

Bush indicated that Hayne could make the transition from rugby to football.

"He actually looks like an NFL running back," Bush is quoted as saying in the Guardian report. "Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow. He's fast, strong and ... wow. Look at that hit. That's an NFL football hit. I like this guy."

Hayne, 26, who played for the Parramatta Eels, is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. He debuted in the NRL with the Eels in 2006. He announced last Wednesday he would leave the NRL to pursue and NFL career.

The Guardian said Hayne flew to the United States on Sunday.

"We'll take it week by week and see where I'm at and whether I'm in that condition to progress for a trial or not," he said about his training to prepare for possible NFL tryouts. "If we go down that avenue, then so be it.

"But the overall plan is for 12 months and to do as much training as I can and to prepare and to learn all the routes, learn all the schemes. ... I just want to get the basics down pat."