The arrival of former Highlanders and Hurricanes centre Jayden Hayward at the Western Force can be traced back to a chance meeting of eyes three years ago.

Hayward was in Perth having lunch with his then-Highlanders teammates in 2009 when he happened to glance out the window.

It was with that gaze he first saw his future wife.

“We just sort of made eye contact, but I didn’t really think much of it,” Hayward recalled on Monday after signing on with the Force as the club’s second overseas development player.

“But then after the game I went out with the team and I bumped into her, and it all started from there.”

After struggling for game time at the Hurricanes last season, Hayward felt the time was right to make a fresh start.

And with his wife Ana eager to return to Perth, where she had previously lived for five years, the decision to link up with the Force was an easy one.

Hayward’s ability to play inside or outside centre gives the Force vital flexibility in the make-up of their backline.

“His passing and running game is strong, but he also has a good eye for space,” Force coach Michael Foley said of the 25-year-old.

“He can use the kick to regain possession.”

Hayward’s arrival completes the Force’s 30-man roster, although one more player will be signed to their extended playing squad of five.

Former Cheetahs five-eighth Sias Ebersohn, ex-All Black Alby Mathewson, Junior Rasolea, Sam Norton-Knight, Ed Stubbs and Chris Tuatara-Morrison are other newcomers to the Force’s revamped backline.