Hayman stays tight with Otago

All Blacks prop Carl Hayman has committed himself to Otago rugby for another three years.

Otago Rugby Union chief executive Russell Gray today said Hayman had re-signed with the province until 2009.

"This is great news for Otago. It's wonderful that the best tighthead in the world has decided to stay loyal to his roots."

Hayman, 26, first played for Otago in 1998 and has since played 67 games for the province and 75 for the Highlanders at Super level.

Hayman first played for the All Blacks in 2001 and is now the regular first-choice selection. He has played 30 tests for New Zealand.

Otago were eliminated from the Air New Zealand Cup last Saturday when losing their semifinal 15-44 to Waikato.

Waikato play Wellington in the final on Saturday in Hamilton.

- NZPA