Hayward, then just a 21-year-old out of Taranaki, was drafted into the Highlanders to play Super Rugby in 2009. He had made every post a winning one in 2008 in his debut season for Taranaki and was named most promising player of the year in the provincial competition.
The midfield back was chased by a few franchises but decided to head south, signed by coach Glenn Moore, who said he had the ability to be an All Black when his signing was announced in late 2008.
Hayward made his starting debut for the Highlanders in the side’s 6-0 victory over the Crusaders at Carisbrook early in the 2009 season. But he started in only one other game that year as he was passed over by the coaches.
The following year, Hayward started the first couple of games for the Highlanders but was then barely sighted as Kendrick Lynn and Jason Shoemark took the midfield slots.
Hayward had some skills and the ability to put players into the gap but he was not the greatest defender and his option taking could have been batter.
When Jamie Joseph came in to take over the Highlanders in 2011, Hayward was not wanted and he moved on. He played sporadically for the Hurricanes over the next two seasons before heading to Perth to play for the Western Force for a couple of years.
He actually played at fullback for the Force against the Highlanders in Perth in 2013 when the home team beat the All Black laden Highlanders 19-18. Hayward kicked 14 points.
After a couple of years with the Force, Hayward moved on and linked up with Benetton in Treviso. He qualified through residency to play for Italy last year and made his debut for his new international side last year against Fiji.
Hayward (31) will start at fullback against the All Blacks in Rome alongside former Northland lock Dean Budd, who has also qualified for Italy through residency.