Rugby: NZRU cools on prop Carl

Carl Hayman has been rarely used by Toulon. Photo / Getty Images

A must-have acquisition this time last year, Carl Hayman is now of little interest to the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The former All Black prop spent much of the just-finished French season on the bench or in the stands for Toulon and there is now doubt as to whether he will see things through to 2012 as per the terms initially signed.

Even the uber-rich Mourad Boudjellal, Toulon's ambitious and volatile owner, might question the sense of paying €620,000 a season ($1.1 million) to a bloke who can't oust a little-known Georgian from the No3 jersey.

For whatever reasons, Hayman has made little impression at Toulon. He was able to command an enormous package last year because even Graham Henry was happy to tout the 45-test behemoth as the best tighthead in the world.

That is a view to which no one in either hemisphere currently subscribes. The NZRU say they have not held talks with Hayman, formally or informally, since he decided to sign with Toulon.

They are aware of Hayman's predicament; conscious that the 31-year-old could be tempted to hear about alternative offers right now.

In recent years, the NZRU has become increasingly aware that European ventures often fall flat for high-profile Kiwi signings. Jerry Collins had a horrid time at Toulon after he left New Zealand in 2008, while Chris Jack was cut by Saracens a year before the end of his contract.

The money might be compelling but the experience is often not. Yet while it's obvious that Hayman's French venture is not delivering much other than money, the NZRU hasn't made a move to retrieve him.

There is an element of the national body having been hurt by Hayman's rejection and of the view that he didn't want to come home last year so why bother asking again? But there is more to their lack of interest.

Hayman, on current form, wouldn't feature in the All Blacks' plans this year. At best, he'd be a handy option to have in reserve. They'd love for him to be plodding around in the ITM Cup and if injuries struck, they'd have a highly experienced man to call up.

It's stunning how quickly and how dramatically the landscape has changed. In April last year, the NZRU had $750,000 on the table for Hayman. They were desperate; thinking he was the man around whom their scrum foundation should be built. Their belief was that Hayman was the best and that the emerging Owen Franks wasn't quite ready.

Doubts about Franks are long gone. The 23-year-old has withstood every collision. He's tough, strong, nasty and the All Blacks can't see why they would want or need anyone else to anchor their scrum. Franks' big brother Ben is an exceptional player too and of more interest than Hayman.

Quite what Hayman does now is dependent on what he wants to achieve. At 31, he is potentially in his prime. Plenty of props say it is between 30 and 35 when they really feel they are at the top of their game; when strength, technique and desire all peak together to form the perfect package.

If it is purely financial security that drives Hayman, then staying at Toulon makes sense. He'll come away rich. That will entail having to endure another year where his reputation counts for nothing and he struggles for game time - if nothing changes.

Given that Hayman has been fit and willing, his non-selection alludes to the coaching staff being unsure of his ability. Maybe that will all change in the new season but a seasoned pro like Hayman knows that coaches don't easily change their minds after they have decided someone isn't up to it.

Shifting to a different French club is an option. There would be plenty of clubs willing to bet Hayman still has it - that he just needs time on the field and a fresh start to prove it.

There is also a wildcard scenario - that the Blues use the injury to Tony Woodcock to make a case they need to draft another prop. It is speculative - but Hayman could theoretically be parachuted into the Blues for the final rounds.

It is possible he could establish himself again as a player of considerable interest.