Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman will retire before the end of the year after deciding against renewing his contract with French club Toulon.

The 35-year Hayman, who quit New Zealand after the 2007 Rugby World Cup and 45 caps, helped Toulon to two European Cup triumphs in 2013 and 2014. He said on Tuesday (Wednesday NZT) he's prepared to keep playing until after the World Cup this year, if Toulon needs him as cover during the tournament.

Hayman tells local newspaper Var Matin that he has been hampered by back problems in recent months. He said: "there is a life after rugby and I want to be able to keep playing with my kids in the garden. I would not like to be stuck on the sofa because I can't do anything else."