Carl Hayman

Carl Hayman's greatest accolade is the respect of his peers. At the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he was widely considered the best tighthead prop in the world, a position that demands immense strength and technical skill. He earned 45 caps for the All Blacks, a remarkable achievement for a front-row forward, and his move to Newcastle changed how clubs valued props.His later advocacy for player welfare, particularly his openness about dementia, has earned him admiration far beyond rugby. He has used his platform to highlight the risks of the sport he loves, and his memoir Head On has been praised for its honesty.