Hayward: Treviso project needs more time

Despite a torrid start to his tenure at the club, Umberto Casellato's men have put in some far stronger performances of late in the GUINNESS PRO12, with back-to-back victories over rivals Zebre consolidated by an encouraging showing against Ulster.

But Treviso remain second-bottom in the table and, with several key stars on international duty, have a testing few weeks ahead of them.

And Hayward, one of Treviso's brightest sparks this season since his move from Western Force, insists the period of redevelopment under Casellato is far from over.

"Coming to Treviso it was tough at the beginning, but I've never been discouraged by our results," he told the Corriere del Veneto.

"I had the same experience when I was at Force. When I arrived there was a new head coach again and in the first season we won only four games.

"But it takes years to build a team. We have seen what a difference has been made with Northampton, who are now English champions - but in fact they are a club that has worked for at least five years to reach the current level.

"I hope the fans understand that we are working hard and we are working well. Among the players we need to know each other better, but the chemistry has already improved since the beginning of the season and I'm seeing more progress in recent games.

"Benetton still have a lot of growing to do, and I'm sure we'll do it."

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