Legendary tighthead unveiled as Tens wildcard

Sat, Jan 13, 2018, 9:00 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Carl Hayman will line up in Brisbane. Photo: Getty Images
Carl Hayman will line up in Brisbane. Photo: Getty Images

He’s considered one of the greatest tightheads of all time and former All Black Carl Hayman will make his top line return in Brisbane next month, as Pau’s Brisbane Tens wildcard.

Hayman, who is the Top 14 side’s forwards coach, has been unveiled as the final member of an already star-studded squad to visit Brisbane next month at the second iteration of the tournament.

It wasn’t difficult to convince the man who was once one of the highest-paid players in Europe, to join the Tens crew.

The legendary prop made a surprise comeback in the French amateur leagues this season, and said he was happy to jump back into the fray..


“I’m still playing club footy here at the moment in France, we play every Sunday,” he said.

“It’s a good time (for some of the Top 14 regulars)  to recharge, especially for front row guys, so I’m still playing and I was keen to get involved.

“It will be a great opportunity to get involved in a great competition and to have a run at a good level of rugby.”

Though the 38-year-old might have closer links to the men with the clipboards when he arrives in Australia, he won’t be entirely lacking in match fitness, having returned to rugby in the French club competition this season.

Pau will go up against the Waratahs and Hayman’s former Super Rugby club the Highlanders in the pool stages and he’s looking forward to facing off against the Kiwis, and catching up with some of his former teammates off the field.

“Most of the coaches, they’re the guys I’ve played with,” he aid.

“I think the highlanders are in our pool and it’ll be quite special playing against the Highlanders, where I spent so many good years.


“Just to get on the field is going to be special again, to get out there and have a good run and get stuck in."

Hayman played in the Hong Kong Tens in 2016 and watched on as the Chiefs took out the inaugural Brisbane competition last year, Hayman has an idea about the fledgling format as well.

“When you watch the 7s, I think Tens has more of a correlation with XVs, it has more of the (same) tactical elements,” he said.

“You still have the base elements (of XVs) but played at a faster rate..

“It’s a really exciting brand of rugby, and from my experience with the Tens a lot faster and harder on the lungs so to speak.”

Pau is the first team to have announced its Tens squad, with the second iteration of the tournament kicking off on February 9.

The Brisbane Tens kicks off on Friday February 9, running until Saturday February 10. Buy tickets here.

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