Hayman remains one of the world's best tight-head props

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed All-Black prop Carl Hayman will join Toulon when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Hayman, 30, has been a force in the Falcons pack since joining the club in April 2007 and coach Steve Bates admitted losing him would be a blow.

"Carl has been an outstanding player and leader for us," Bates said.

Hayman's move will reunite him with former Falcons team-mates Tom May and Jonny Wilkinson.

He will also join England wing Paul Sackey, who is leaving Wasps for Toulon at the end of the current campaign.

Newcastle chairman Dave Thompson said the club had worked hard to keep Hayman at Kingston Park.

"We held numerous serious discussions about extending his stay with us and made him our best possible offer, but ultimately we respect his decision and wish him every success for the future," said Thompson.

He said plans were already in hand to find "an international-quality replacement".

"Clearly, this leaves us with a considerable gap to fill, but Steve Bates and his coaching team have already identified and engaged with a number of potential targets," he said.

Hayman said that with approaching two months of the English season remaining, he is determined to end his spell on Tyneside with success.

"It was a really difficult decision, I've had a lot of things going on with the World Cup and the All Blacks back home," Hayman told BBC Newcastle.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to the news that Carl Hayman will leave Newcastle

"I had many interesting evenings torn over what I would do, so it's good that I've made my decision.

"We've got seven games to go here and plenty to play for, we can still make our team goal finishing in the top six, but at the other end of the scale there are a lot of clubs hanging on our shoulders.

"My decision never took into account performances or affected them, it's nice to be able to focus now on the sharp end of the season.

"I try to give everything I have between now and the end of the season."

Hayman has 45 caps for the All Blacks, and has made 60 appearances for the Falcons during his three seasons at the club.

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