2007 RWC All Black: Carl Hayman
Carl Hayman was born in the Taranaki town of Opunake on the 14th of November 1979. He made his debut with the All Blacks against Samoa in 2001 and has since competed in 41 tests. He is described as a world-class prop, a force in the scrum and an excellent lineout lifter.
What is your favourite place in New Zealand?
My favourite spot in New Zealand would have to be in Central Otago. There’s a great place called Hawea.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I like getting into the outdoors. I enjoy fishing and some hunting, hunting is a bit of a past time and I try and do that when I can, close to Dunedin.
What does haka mean to you?
It means a chance to let it all hang out. Traditionally it has been very important to the All Blacks, and it is quite a buzz to be performing it. So you get out there and take a lot of pride in what you do.
Why do you think New Zealand produces such good rugby players?
I think it is probably because the country lives and breathes rugby. If you want to get away from rugby you’ve got to throw away your television and turn off your radio. I think for so many years it’s been the national game. It has always had a big following and a lot of people play.
I got into rugby because some of my family members played. They just took me down to weigh in, and would tell me to have a run around. When I was young I thought it was cool to watch the All Blacks with Dad. It wasn’t until later on at high school when I started to realise that I could excel, and there was a realistic chance of making it onto a provincial side. And then one thing leads to another…!
How important is the 2007 World Cup to you?
A lot of water has to go under the bridge before we get to the business end of winning the World Cup. I think everyone is pretty excited about the possibility of doing well.
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