Hayman staying at Newcastle

Carl Hayman has ended speculation that he was angling for an early return to New Zealand by confirming he will see out his current contract at Newcastle.

Hayman, who is currently in the second season of a lucrative three-year deal at Kingston Park, had been linked with a move back to Otago in the summer.

But the powerful All Blacks prop announced today he plans to remain with Newcastle.

“I’ll be floating around here next season,” said Hayman.

“I haven’t had any more phone calls at three in the morning, so thankfully that rumour seems to have died a natural death.”

Hayman has won two man of the match awards to help Newcastle pull away from the foot of the Guinness Premiership with five straight victories.