Prop Hayman confirms Falcons stay

Hayman is one of the Premiership's highest earners

Newcastle Falcons prop Carl Hayman has confirmed he plans to remain with the club next season, quashing rumours of a return to New Zealand.

The 29-year-old Kiwi tight-head had been subject to speculation surrounding his future but has now made public his decision to remain at Kingston Park.

"I'll be floating around next season," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I haven't had any more phone calls at three in the morning, so that rumour seems to have died a natural death."

Hayman was a major signing in April 2007, having made his reputation as a world-class tight-head with Otago the Highlanders and in particular New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Hayman is looking forward to coming up against compatriot Nick Evans as the Falcons look to record six successive league wins when they take on Harlequins on Sunday.

And Hayman is also wary of Quins' attacking threat, saying: "Nick at fly-half is a big threat and a guy I know well from Otago and Highlanders days," he said.

"They're one of the better attacking sides in the division with a lot of ball-carrying loose players."