Hayward caused controversy in 2000 by refusing to play against Scotland A in Bridgend because of the inclusion of foreign players Shane Howarth and Brett Sinkinson.
This was in the heat of the Grannygate scandal, both players claimed to have Welsh grandparents that would later be found to be false.
He left Pontypool at the end of the 2002/3 season and returned to Ebbw Vale RFC where he was later made head coach.
In January 2006 he was replaced by one cap England International Alex Codling as coach despite Vale winning holiday derbies against Newport RFC and old club Pontypool.
Whilst playing professional rugby, Hayward also continued to box as an amateur for his local club.