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Rugby Union

Falcons swoop for Hayman

18/04/2007

Newcastle Falcons have signed New Zealand prop forward Carl Hayman on a three-year contract from the beginning of next season.

The All Blacks star will join up with his new team-mates at the end of the rugby World Cup in September and October and will be a significant addition to the Kingston Park set-up.

Hayman, 27, joins from New Zealand provincial side Otago, having also competed in the Super 14 for the Highlanders.

And Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher said the acquisition of the tight-head prop was "a huge statement of intent".

"At the start of the season myself, our chairman Dave Thompson and our forwards coach Peter Walton made a commitment to go out and sign the best tight head in the world, and we've done it," Fletcher said.

"It has been a lengthy process, but we felt Carl was worth the wait because he is the calibre of player who can take our team forward and help drive us on to where we aspire to be."

According to Fletcher, current Newcastle front row Joe McDonnell had played an integral part in selling the club to Hayman and also bringing his 35-cap All Black team-mate to the attention of the club's management.

"Joe knows Carl very well and was able to tell us not just about his rugby, but about his character and what he will bring to the squad off the field," Fletcher continued.

"Carl was able to get the inside track from Joe about the club, and the message from day one was that he really bought in to the talent and ambition we have here at Kingston Park."

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