Carl Hayman's shock diagnosis 'IT'S AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER'

The former All Black was floored when he learnt he had early-onset dementia

- Sharon Stephenson

Carl Hayman’s children call it “Daddyland” when their father, the former All Black great, zones out.

“They say, ‘Daddy’s gone to Daddyland again,’” explains Carl of his frequent lapses in concentration.

Two years ago, Carl, 43, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, a debilitating illness that currently has no cure. It’s believed to be the result of the numerous knocks to the head he suffered while playing our national game.

“The wheels are turning, but the mice aren’t running that fast,” he says of his failing mind, which he documents in his new memoir Head On.

“I thought I could sit here and say nothing about this or I could warn other rugby players about what can happen when you experience repeated hits to the head and concussions.”

Carl, who spent a year drafting the book with a ghost writer, admits it wasn’t an easy process.

“It’s very hard to make yourself vulnerable in that way,” admits the father-of-four. “It was an emotional rollercoaster reliving what I’ve gone through and some of the bad decisions I’ve made.”