Hayman stays with Otago

1.00pm

All Black tighthead prop Carl Hayman has signed with Otago for a further two years.

Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Russell Gray described it as a significant signing.

"There is always a lot of interest in quality front rowers from other provincial unions and for Carl to show loyalty and commitment to Otago augurs well for the future," he said.

Otago coach Wayne Graham was delighted with the signing, allblacks.com reported.

"At 24, Carl is still very young for an international prop but he already has a wealth of experience at the top level," he said.

"We believe that he will only go from strength to strength over the next few years and will become the cornerstone of our pack."

Tony Gilbert, director of rugby strategy and development for the Otago union brought Hayman into the Otago side in 1998 when he was coach. He rates Hayman as one of the best props in the game.

Hayman has played 52 games for Otago and also 52 for the Highlanders since his debut in 1999.

He was first selected for the All Blacks in 2001 and had the distinction of becoming the 1000th All Black to take the field.

The second test against England in Auckland a fortnight ago was his 10th test match.

allblacks.com