"He quite rightly has a fearsome reputation as a player, and is the sort of character who will drive up standards right across the board.
"Carl is a very unassuming guy who leads more by example than anything else, but he will say what needs to be said, and will be supported by the outstanding group of senior players we have within our squad."
Capped 45 times by New Zealand, the 29-year-old Otago native is still widely regarded as the best tight head prop in world rugby,
Speaking after accepting the offer to lead the Falcons in to the 2009/10 campaign, Hayman said: "Firstly, it's a privelege to be asked to captain a great club like Newcastle Falcons through such an exciting chapter in its history, especially as a relative newcomer to the north-east.
"With the club's established squad members and our talented new signings, the 2009/10 season is one that supporters, sponsors and players can all be excited about."
With the Falcons having already announced the arrivals of Jimmy Gopperth, Tom Biggs, Josh Afu, Rob Vickerman, Charlie Amesbury, James Hudson, Kieran Brookes and Filipo Levi for next season, Bates said: "We're shaping up very well.
"We have some really exciting signings on board, some more to come and most of our talented young players have agreed contract extensions, so with our fans backing us to the hilt via season ticket sales there is every reason to be positive."
