Blacks brave the catwalk in fashion statement

FURTHER evidence that Rugby is going soft? Well, that’s the obvious conclusion when hard-as-nails All Black Carl Hayman was forced to sashay down a catwalk in New Zealand at the behest of the moneymen from adidas.

The Highlanders prop was joined by Nick Evans, Ma’a Nonu and Rodney So’oialo as the All Black jersey for Rugby World Cup 2007 was revealed to gasps of appreciation from the fashionistas of the sporting world.

But whilst Hayman wore a face of defiled dignity, Nonu — who sports highlights and slaps on the mascara on match days — luxuriated in the warm glow of the popping flashbulbs.