All Blacks: Hayman in 'secret' World Cup discussions

Toulon will release former All Black prop Carl Hayman should the selectors pick him to play for New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup which starts in September. Photo / Getty Images

Carl Hayman may be about to make a sensational return to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup.

It is understood secret negotiations among Toulon, Hayman's club, his representatives and the New Zealand Rugby Union have been going on since late last year.

Under discussion is Hayman's commitment to a special three-month contract which would allow him to play for New Zealand in the World Cup starting in September. And Toulon will not stand in his way.

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjallel said he would not prevent any of his players taking part in a World Cup being played in his own country.

"Of course I am ready to let him go on condition that he comes back after the World Cup."

What is being said in French rugby circles seems to suggest the New Zealand Rugby Union are contemplating the highly emotive question of making a significant u-turn on their previous policy of not selecting players based overseas.

Respected Toulouse-based rugby newspaper Midi Olympique suggested that just before the end of last year, New Zealand Rugby Union medical experts requested from Toulon information about the state of Hayman's health.

If this is true, it would seem a curious request unless the All Blacks management had decided that they wanted to abandon their previous policy on overseas players and invite Hayman home.

The paper reported that Hayman was baffled by the request, pointing out that he was contracted only to Toulon, not the NZRU, and that such a request was therefore irrelevant.

But he or his representatives are said to have replied in a positive manner, saying only that it would be necessary to find a legal agreement (if he were injured and unable to return promptly to Toulon after the tournament).

But the suggestion is that the NZRU is seriously looking at such a possibility.

Hayman is optimistic about his current playing levels. Asked whether he was really the best tight-head prop in the world, he replied "All that is not true.

"But it is true to say that I am getting better and better in this team.

"Without doubt I have progressed in the last six months and notably in the scrums. Technically, I have learned 'the vice' and that is good because I never thought I could do that."

If there is any substance in these stories emerging from France - and at the moment it remains only an "if" - then it is likely certain other New Zealanders might well prick up their ears at the news.

Prominent among those could be Harlequins first five-eighths Nick Evans, who would be an obvious back-up for Dan Carter in a New Zealand World Cup squad that did include the overseas players the All Blacks management wanted on board.

Evans has been in superb form for the London club and in the event of injury to Carter would be the obvious man to step in.

* Peter Bills is a rugby writer for Independent News & Media in London