Hayman’s motivation still burning

Editor

Toulon captain Carl Hayman, in his final season, remains hungry to win trophies ahead of facing Wasps on Sunday.

Discussing Toulon's tag of being "a bunch of mercenaries" in the past, Hayman reiterated the players' desire for silverware, even after winning the Top 14 and European Cup last season.

"We are the defending champions and the motivation comes from wanting to stay at the top. In the past, people have regarded Toulon as a bunch of mercenaries signing to enjoy the sun in the south of France," Hayman told the EPCR website.

"But we are all professionals who work hard and that has shown with the success of recent seasons. People mention that no team has won the title three times in a row, but we really cannot look past the quarter-final and Wasps – that's all we are concerned with right now."

Hayman also took note of the way Wasps worked their way out of their Champions Cup pool which included Leinster and Harlequins.

"Wasps did well to find a way out of a really tough pool [that included Leinster and Harlequins] especially after losing their first two games. They really turned things around and it was no small feat to come back and qualify.

"They fought for every point, as we all had to do with every pool being much closer than before, and this year has definitely been tougher than ever – with fewer clubs competing and the standard rising with every game. It has made for a really interesting tournament that is good for rugby."

Losing to Toulouse last week has been the tonic the side needed according to Hayman, ahead of such a crucial fixture.

"That was a very disappointing result, especially given we could have gone clear at the top of the Top 14, but if there was any good to come out of it, there is nothing like a defeat to sharpen everyone for the following game. Playing at home is special to us, hopefully we can give the fans something to cheer."