Troubled All Blacks winger Zac Guildford’s rugby limbo looks to be over. An announcement is expected on Wednesday that Guildford has agreed to undergo alcohol counselling as part of a range of sanctions imposed by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), Fairfax media said.
The decision follows a booze-fuelled binge in Rarotonga last month, in which Guildford was alleged to have sexually harassed a female triathlete and then, after shedding his clothes and with blood streaming from a head wound, attacked two men in a bar.
Guildford avoided any charges, but admitted on his return to New Zealand that he had a problem with drinking, and vowed to get help.
“Myself and alcohol at the moment don’t mix too well. I’m giving it up and looking to better myself,” he said at the time.
NZRU professional rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said soon after the incident that the organisation would do all it could to help the Crusaders wing.
Official misconduct proceedings against Guildford began two weeks ago, with termination of his NZRU contract one possibility.
Sorensen said Guildford, 22, had been called before the NZRU three times in the last 18 months on alcohol-related issues.
“We’ve worked hard with Zac … Many people have, and we’ll continue to do so. He’s a good young man.”
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