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

Newcastle Falcons prop Carl Hayman has targeted a European Challenge Cup triumph to sign off his three-year spell at Kingston Park.

Hayman, 30, will join French side Toulon at the end of the season, and success in Europe is the All Black's only chance of silverware with Falcons.

"It would be nice. We've got three games at least to go to win it," Hayman told BBC Newcastle.

"If we can win all three, we'll be there. It'd be a nice way to finish."

Standing in the Falcons' path to the semi-finals are Cardiff Blues, a side whose presence in the European Challenge Cup has come courtesy of their Heineken Cup exit.

For Hayman, the visit of Blues to Kingston Park brings the tight-head up against another world-class player in his position, Wales international Gethin Jenkins.

"I've played a number of tests against Wales, so I think we're pretty familiar with each other," Hayman added.

"It's been pretty even. It will be a good tussle and I always look forward to playing against guys of his quality.

"Scrummaging is all about the other guys and what they're doing around you. We'll have to get stuck in and roll our sleeves up."

Hayman has 45 caps for the All Blacks, and has made 63 appearances for the Falcons during his three seasons at the club.

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