The life of Carl Hayman, former emblematic pillar of All Blackslooks more and more like a noir series film. Between legal troubles, mental health problems and alcoholism, the man who marked the history of rugby is today fighting his demons. According to Rugbyramahe was recently convicted in New Zealand for serious offenses.
A conviction for threats and abuse
Recently, Hayman was convicted ofpsychological abuse after threatening a woman to publish intimate photos of her. The court placed him under intensive monitoring for 18 months and required him to pay approximately 1,600 euros in compensation to the victim. Despite the seriousness of the facts, prison was avoided, mainly because of his state of health.
The judge, however, was clear: this is his last chance. The next prank will land him directly behind bars.
A damaged body and mind
At 44, Carl Hayman is a diminished man. Diagnosed with a early onset dementialinked to repeated concussions during his career, he also struggles with an addiction to alcohol which further complicates his rehabilitation. Away from the field, life seems to have closed in on him.
The victim, for her part, hopes that this conviction pushes the former player to confront his problems in depth. “He must learn to manage his anger and rebuild,” she confided.
A heavy legal past
This is unfortunately not a first for Hayman. In 2019, he had already been convicted of domestic violence in France. More recently, in 2022, he was arrested for drunk driving, with a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit.
These episodes reflect a self-destructive spiral that seems uncontrollable since the end of his career.
A rugby culture to question
Hayman is also the product of a time when rugby rubbed shoulders with a festive and sometimes toxic culture. Teams where alcohol and excess were commonplace certainly left invisible scars. His diagnosis ofchronic traumatic encephalopathy is proof of this.
Ironically, the man who wore the black jersey 45 times and triumphed in the European Cup with Toulon is today far from the spotlight.
Post-career, a minefield
This case once again highlights the difficulties that some former high-level athletes encounter in finding a balance after retirement. Between physical injuries and mental scars, the story of Carl Hayman should push rugby and its players to better support its heroes once the curtain falls.
Carl Hayman still struggles, but the path to redemption seems increasingly steep.
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