Hayman's decision to go to France a 'close call'

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Carl Hayman's decision to play rugby for French club Toulon, instead of returning to New Zealand in time for next year's World Cup was a close call, says the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

Hayman's decision to opt for Toulon "came down to the wire" and he made his final decision only in the "last day or two", NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said today.

"I got a call late yesterday to confirm that he had chosen the French option," Tew said

"Carl has weighed up the financial implications of staying and playing in Toulon versus the opportunity of coming back, and he has chosen the former."

Regarded as one of the world's premier tighthead props, Hayman, 30, had said earlier that he was torn over whether to remain with English club Newcastle.

He joined Newcastle after the All Blacks' failed World Cup campaign in 2007.

The 45-test veteran's form for Newcastle had reportedly been of a consistently high standard, and the Taranaki Rugby Union and the Hurricanes franchise were vocal in their desire to lure him back home.

The NZRU respected Hayman's decision to go to Toulon, with Tew saying every player was faced with a similar dilemma when they come off their contracts.

Tew mentioned Tamati Ellison from the Hurricanes as another player who had chosen financial reward over an opportunity of playing for the All Blacks.

"Our players are not different from a lot of other professionals and if you want to live overseas you can earn more money and it can set you up for your return."

He added that the lure of playing for the All Blacks is still very strong and keeps many players here.

"If it comes down to money then clearly we don't compete, we never have and probably never will."

The NZRU had done a good job of keeping players in New Zealand since the 2007 World Cup, particularly by managing to secure Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to the 2011 World Cup, said Tew.

"We have got to be as competitive as we can (in terms of competing with overseas clubs) but can not do things that would be foolish (financially)," Tew said.

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal said in a statement that he would make Hayman available for the All Blacks at the World Cup but Tew said there was no chance of the NZRU reviewing its stance of not picking All Blacks who are playing offshore.

"What would the Super 14 look like for New Zealand and our teams if we had our top 10 international players all playing in Europe?" Tew told Radio Sport.

"We just don't think it works."

Hayman told The New Zealand Herald his decision had been difficult, but his family's financial future had taken top priority despite the NZRU's late counter-bid.

"Newcastle and now Toulon are all about setting up a sound financial base for the future."

Tew said that Hayman would enjoy the south of France but joked that he "can't quite see Carl being totally multi-lingual".

Carl's deal with Toulon is for two years and is reportedly in the multi-million dollar bracket.

- NZPA