Carl Hayman


Carl Joseph Hayman is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer who played at tighthead prop. Hayman has previously played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby, Otago in the NPC, and Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership, as well as making 45 appearances for New Zealand at international level. Hayman announced his retirement from professional rugby in January 2015, aged 35.

Professional career and the All Blacks

He became the 1000th All Black when he made his debut against in 2001. Since then he established himself as one of the elite props in world rugby. In 2005, Hayman played for the New Zealand Māori, against in Suva and against the British & Irish Lions at Hamilton. In 2006 he was shortlisted as one of 5 candidates for New Zealand Player of the Year. On 19 April 2007 it was announced that Hayman had signed a 3-year contract with Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, turning down an offer from league champions Sale Sharks to do so.
A club source said of the signing "every top club in Europe has been chasing him, but he’s chosen to come to Newcastle and we’re delighted he has made that decision". Hayman is strong enough to box squat 250 kg.

Newcastle Falcons

Hayman reportedly became the best paid rugby union player in the world after joining Newcastle Falcons on a contract reportedly worth $NZ one million ; a year until 2010. This contract was partly funded by Northern Rock – Newcastle Falcons' sponsor. Hayman made his Falcons debut as a replacement in the EDF Energy Cup match at London Wasps on 1 December 2007.

Toulon

On 22 March 2010, it was announced that Hayman would join French club Toulon at the end of the season. He becomes one of a number of high-profile players that signed for Toulon alongside Jonny Wilkinson, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Felipe Contepomi and Joe Van Niekerk.
The decision to stay in Europe made him ineligible for the 2011 Rugby World Cup due to the New Zealand Rugby Union's policy of only selecting players who have played in the New Zealand domestic competition.
In 2010, he was selected in the Barbarians squad to play Tonga on 26 November. In May 2013 he started as Toulon won the 2013 Heineken Cup Final by 16–15 against Clermont Auvergne.
On 6 January 2015, Hayman announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the 2014-15 Top 14 season.