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World-class prop Carl Hayman says he won't return to New Zealand early and will see out his contract with English club Newcastle until May next year.
All Blacks and Otago tighthead Hayman, 29, has ended speculation he wanted to secure an early return home, telling English reporters he would complete his three years at the northern club.
"I'll be floating around here next season," he said. "I haven't had any more phone calls at three in the morning, so thankfully that rumour seems to have died a natural death."
Hayman has won two man-of-the-match awards during Newcastle's five-match winning streak that has seen them pull clear of the English Premiership relegation zone.
Six weeks ago, Hayman admitted there were a number of issues warranting resolution before he could commit to his full contract, not least the Falcons' continued Premiership status.
He talked of the infrastructure improvements in the wake of chairman Dave Thomson's decision to recommit to the cause.
He said playing Heineken Cup rugby was a driving force to stay.
"All the players are inspired by that, and personally it's the pinnacle of the competition to be involved in that.
"It opens up a whole lot of avenues for the club in terms of sponsorship and attracting other players that you probably wouldn't normally attract to the club for the sole purpose of being involved in the Heineken Cup.
"It would be a huge achievement for the club to be able to get in there, and if we could do that it would be a great step in the right direction."
Now Hayman has confirmed he will be part of next season's squad, he even quipped he might get a head-start on a second career as an agent.
Falcons rugby director Steve Bates is reportedly eyeing a couple of Super 14 recruits and Hayman said he might call in a few favours from some old mates.
"We'll have to see what they're up to," he said. "Carl the manager ... it's got a nice ring to it."
- NZPA
