They were both relishing the prospect of performing for the franchise when told of their selection on Thursday.
Smith (22) was telephoned by Otago coach Steve Martin when he was resting in his Dunedin flat after completing his third year physical education examinations at the University of Otago.
"I wasn't expecting it," Smith said.
"I've had exams all week and was concentrating more on my exams. I was more worried about passing my university papers.
"It was a bit surreal. As a young kid growing up I watched from the stands at Carisbrook and had the dream of getting out there. At the time I didn't think it would become reality."
Hayward (21) heard the news from his agent when he was working as an electrician in Hawera.
"I'm very excited. I was overwhelmed. It's a dream come true," he said.
"I'm looking forward to the camp in Dunedin in December."
He had an inkling he might get into the squad because he had been signed by Otago and is being loaned back to Taranaki for next year's Air New Zealand Cup.
His agent talked with coach Glenn Moore a month ago.
"I sort of knew, but just had to wait for the squad to be finalised," he said.
Smith's silky skills on the rugby paddock have been compared to those of Wallaby great Stephen Larkham, who initially played for Australia as a fullback and then shifted to first five-eighth.
"I look at every great player and take out the good bits," Smith said.
"When I watched games from Carisbrook I admired Jeff Wilson, Brendan Laney, Tony Brown and Byron Kelleher in the great Otago days of 1998 and 1999."
Smith initially made his name in club rugby for Green Island as a first five-eighth but has now focused on fullback.
"I played in the sevens in Queenstown last year and was invited to the Highlanders trials to make up numbers," Smith said.
"I played fullback and enjoyed it."
Smith made his first-class debut at fullback against Wellington last year when Wellington outclassed Otago 68-7.
Smith played 12 first-class games for Otago in his first two years.
"I've learnt that I have to make quicker decisions . . . The higher you go the less time you have to react."
Smith played halfback in the Kings High School First XV from 2002 to 2004.
Hayward, who grew up in Hawera, made his first-class debut off the bench when Taranaki played Tasman in the third round of the Air New Zealand Cup this year.
He made an impact and ended the season with nine first-class games under his belt.
Hayward, who plays first five-eighth, second five-eighth and fullback, played rugby league when he lived in Wellington.
During that time he played for the New Zealand Under-16 rugby league team.
He also played touch for the New Zealand Under-19 and Under-21 teams.
He switched to rugby when he moved back to Hawera to begin an electrician apprenticeship.
Hayward has made a quick rise through the rugby ranks this year and is in the process of setting new goals for himself.
"I want to get as much game time as possible for the Highlanders next year," he said.
