Carl Hayman mourns Shane Christie, reflects on life on Taranaki farm

Carl Hayman said he felt a profound loss after the sudden death of Shane Christie, expressing grief for a friend and fellow figure in New Zealand rugby.

Hayman, a 45-year-old former All Black who was once the highest-paid rugby union player in the world, spoke from his farm in Opunake in the Taranaki region. "Part of me died when I heard about Shane Christie's suicide," he said, calling the news "just sad" and acknowledging the personal toll of losing someone close.

Christie died suddenly at the end of August, just a day short of his 40th birthday. Friends of Christie have indicated he took his own life after struggling, according to Hayman and others close to the situation.

Hayman described a quieter pace of life than his playing days. "I’ve been in the country for the past 12 months, enjoying farm life. I’m currently rearing calves – Friesian and Angus bulls," he said, speaking in the early morning from the southern hemisphere. He said he values the routine and small moments of farm life, rising before his phone starts ringing to watch the sun come up over Mount Taranaki.

The former prop, whose playing career earned him global recognition and top earnings in the sport, said he has been spending more time on the land where he grew up. "This is the best time of day – when the sun comes up over Mount Taranaki and before my phone starts ringing. I enjoy the small things in life a lot more now," Hayman said.

Hayman also noted the conversation was held under difficult circumstances and that it had been three years since he last gave an in-depth interview. He did not elaborate on details surrounding Christie's struggles beyond the information provided by friends.

The brief accounts offered by Hayman reflect the immediate personal impact of Christie's death among former players and acquaintances. Authorities and those close to Christie have not released extensive public details beyond the timing of his death and friends' statements that he had been struggling.

Hayman's remarks come as members of New Zealand's rugby community process the loss. He emphasized his own change in priorities since retiring from professional play, focusing on daily farm work and family time while mourning the loss of a contemporary. The former All Black's comments underline the continuing human cost when a former teammate or friend dies unexpectedly.

Hayman's return to a quieter life in Opunake marks a contrast to the international rugby career that made him a prominent figure in the sport. He declined to expand on private matters related to Christie or to discuss broader reactions within the rugby community beyond his personal sadness.

Christie's death at the end of August remains under the purview of those closest to him and any official statements they choose to make. Hayman's public acknowledgment of his grief provides a firsthand account of how the loss has affected former players who remain connected by shared experience in New Zealand rugby.