Wellington, March 5 NZPA - Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman is on the verge of deciding whether to return to New Zealand rugby.

Regarded as one of the world's premier tighthead props, Hayman said he was torn over whether to remain with his English club Newcastle but will make a decision within the next fortnight.

"Sometime in the next couple of weeks we might have something sorted out," Hayman told the BBC.

"It would be inappropriate to say too much more at this stage."

"This has been coming about since I first signed a contract that at some stage I'd have to make a decision on my future and it's something that a professional sportsman has to deal with."

Hayman, 30, joined Newcastle after the All Blacks' failed World Cup campaign in 2007.

Speculation has steadily grown over whether he will return in time for the 2011 tournament in New Zealand, with Hayman's form for Newcastle reportedly of a consistently high standard.

The Taranaki Rugby Union and the Hurricanes have been vocal in their desire to lure the prop, with reports of private deals involving a farm thrown into the speculation blender.

The BBC opined that Hayman may be motivated to stay put as Newcastle could yet qualify to play in the elite Heineken Cup competition for leading European clubs next year.

The 45-test veteran was providing few clues.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, the fans have been great and the club has been great to play for and potentially is an option that I could be playing here next season," Hayman said.

"There's an option I could be playing elsewhere so I can't really say much more about that.

"There's a lot of other players going through the same thing, you just have to deal with it, be professional and do your job properly."

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