Hayman may slip through NZRU net

Reuters

MOST WANTED: Carl Hayman is on the list of overseas players wanted for the All Blacks.

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The All Blacks' hopes of winning next year's World Cup could be dealt a blow with reports Carl Hayman won't return to New Zealand but will sign to play for Toulon in France instead.

With most recent publicity around Toulon centering on whether club boss Mourad Boudjellal will convince Sonny Bill Williams to abandon his immediate All Blacks aspirations, the French club could be about to deliver New Zealand rugby a far more substantial setback.

Hayman had been expected to have to make a decision between staying in England with current club Newcastle once his contract expires or come home and join up with Taranaki and the Hurricanes and be eligible, once again, for the All Blacks.

But it appears Boudjellal's bulging wallet has thrown a spanner in the works and the man regarded as the world's best tighthead prop could be spending his time in southern France while the All Blacks are attempting to win their first World Cup for 24 years.

Speculation has grown in France throughout last week, from cryptic rumours that "a star player with three As in his name could be going to Toulon", to the stage where the prestigious national sports newspaper L'Equipe and Le 10 Sport website both reported yesterday that Hayman was close to signing for Toulon.

Hayman has refused to comment about his plans, other than to say he'll be making an announcement soon.

But while the French are talking up the prospects of Hayman going to Toulon, the NZRU yesterday told Sunday News that negotiations with the 30-year-old are still alive.

To help lure Hayman to New Zealand, the Taranaki Rugby Union have indicated they'll assist him in getting a farm inside the region as the 45-test All Black has said he wants to get into farming once his playing days are over.

Meanwhile, reports that Tana Umaga has signed for Counties Manukau as a player assistant coach for the next two years are premature but the deal is close to being completed.

Counties are also looking at strengthening their forward pack for this season.

"Counties Manukau need to ensure we get good quality ball out to the backs and our focus is on our tight five," Counties CEO Phil McConnell told Sunday News.

The province is working through a list of potential players coming off contract who would bring Super 14 or international experience to the union.

They could include former Blues prop Saimone Taumoepeau and ex-Chiefs lock Sean Hohneck. Greg Somerville is also another possibility.

Sunday News understands Somerville or his representatives have been talking to Counties, Super 15 franchise the Melbourne Rebels, the NZRU and Canterbury.

The 32-year-old Somerville has been the standout player for Gloucester this season but is looking to head back down under as his family have struggled to settle in England.

- © Fairfax NZ News