Hayman to get farm to rejoin ABs

CARL HAYMAN is poised to be rushed back into the All Blacks as early as their end-of-year grand slam tour.

The Sunday Star-Times has learnt the giant prop is now sold on the idea of coming home from England to finish his career, if his terms can be met. And that has sparked a flurry of activity in the Wellington business community, with Hurricanes boss Greg Peters trying to solicit third-party funding to help Hayman realise his dream of buying a farm in Taranaki.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has moved heaven and earth to get Hayman home in time for the 2011 world cup, digging deep to fund the majority of his considerable salary. But it is about $150,000 short, so the Hurricanes have been brought in on the deal and have been asked if they can cover the shortfall by exploring avenues such as third-party funding.

Peters said a "number of parties were interested" in helping secure Hayman's signature, and it was vital the Wellington and New Zealand rugby unions worked together with the private business sector to get the deal done.

"Taranaki would be first port of call [for the Air New Zealand Cup]," he said. "But we would love to see him playing for the Hurricanes."

Tew added it was still "early day" in the negotiation. "But Carl is one hell of a player and we would love to have him back."

Tew cited several examples in which the private sector have helped to contract players including Ian Jones, who had a relationship with Phillips, and Richie McCaw, with Mastercard.

The NZRU has tried this before. In 2008 part of Hayman's contract with the Newcastle Falcons was funded by a third party, the building society Northern Rock, which struck trouble, leaving Hayman out of pocket. The NZRU swooped, reportedly offering to buy Hayman a farm if he returned home.

Strictly speaking, that was incorrect. Hayman, for legal and tax reasons, was always going to be the official purchaser and signee. The NZRU was simply exploring the possibility of "facilitating" the deal. The new agreement is slightly different.

The NZRU will stump up cash, while the Hurricanes will secure his services for the 2011 Super rugby season if they can sell Hayman's image rights on his behalf, to businesses, and then reimburse him for his services, thereby funding the balance of his salary demands.

The complex contract arrangement won't have any Air NZ Cup salary cap implications – intellectual property payments are not covered in the cap – and is being viewed as a precursor to private equity investment in rugby's franchises, something the NZRU is keen to explore.

Last year it released a discussion paper on the subject to the Star-Times, adding that it was "thinking outside the square" to lure back All Blacks.

Hayman, who has played 45 tests, recently said he was keen to return to New Zealand, but gave few other details. All Blacks coach Graham Henry has often lamented Hayman's departure in 2007, saying "it would be great if Carl came home, because he's probably the best tighthead prop in the world."

- © Fairfax NZ News