Doping target on Hayman's back

The French doping system has been put in the spotlight for its seemingly inconsistency.

All Black prop Carl Hayman, who has hinted that he might return to New Zealand soon, said he is sick and tired of being 'targeted' by the French doping investigators.

Hayman, a long-time member and also the captain of European and French Top 14 champions Toulon, revealed he has been tested 15 times since moving to France in 2010 from English club Newcastle.

Hayman ended his All Blacks career after the 2007 World Cup.

Of greater concern, the tough front row forward said French doping authorities have sent him two warning letters for "no shows" under the international "whereabouts" system which requires athletes to make themselves available for tests upon notice.

Under the system, three 'no-shows' can lead to a mandatory two-year suspension from playing.

In an interview with Europe's players' association, an angry Hayman expressed his frustration over the doping authorities' attitude and suggested he was being unfairly treated compared to other professional rugby players.

Hayman, who has never tested positive, said he seemed to be at the top of the French list for testing and could not understand why.

"In all, I have been tested 15 times - 15 times, it's still a lot," he said.

The former Highlanders prop questioned whether French doping authorities had it in for him. "To be honest it's downright tiring. I have no choice. I have to bow to the rules and do what is right - that's life."

Hayman described the French system as "binding" and "heavy".

Under it, authorities can seek random tests at any time. If the athlete does not immediately comply, he or she is issued with a breach notice.

Hayman indicated he had legitimate reasons for missing the two requests and that the 15 tests he has undergone since arriving in France should make it clear he is clean.

* Meanwhile Hayman has hinted at a stint playing back in New Zealand - as well as a future in coaching - as his big-money career in European draws to a close.

Hayman, who played 45 Tests for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2007, is in the last season of his contract with French glamour club Toulon.

Despite not playing a Test for seven years, Hayman remains one of New Zealand's best-paid rugby players - and one of the most high profile to leave the Kiwi game when he signed for Newcastle after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The 34-year-old is understood to be paid about €41,000 a (NZ$65,000) month, or about NZ$820,000 a season.

That figure puts him ahead of Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne), Rene Ranger (Montpelier) and Ali Williams (also Toulon) as the most well-paid Kiwi in the French Top 14.

With an extension with the reigning European champions - who earlier this month signed All Black Ma'a Nonu on a two-season deal after next year's World Cup - yet to be discussed, Hayman's future is up in the air.

The veteran prop and Toulon captain, who has a young family in France, admits a return to New Zealand is starting to weigh on his mind.

"I've got some choices to make, especially with two young kids," Hayman told Sunday News in Paris.

"Any decisions I make in the near future - especially for their schooling - are quite important to weigh up.

"Whether we stay here for a bit longer or go home, I'm not entirely sure. Ideally, it would be nice to go and play some rugby back home, but we'll see what happens."

Coaching is beginning to factor into Hayman's future thinking, as well.

He is studying for a coaching diploma in Toulon, where he is also coaching a local amateur team.

Source: stuff.co.nz