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.”
cm
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Unfortunate ad placement for alcohol at the foot of the story!
Gary Russell-Sharam
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Just heard that he got a slap over the knuckles and will miss the first game or two for his super side and has to go to counseling for his problems. Hope this solves his problems but I have serious doubts that it will, most leopards don't change their spots that well. He has had quite a few chances and has said a few times that he is ashamed of his behaviour but has still transgressed again and again. Maybe this time he will surprise us?????? Seen all this before with others and they seem to go on and on with the admin covering up for them. As long as he plays good rugby the Admin will stand a hell of a lot of bad behaviour. That's the nature of professional sport. I can cite numerous examples and in recent times. They are far too numerous to list here but I'm sure most posters could pick 5 + high profile players who have committed sins like this. This type of behaviour is nothing new it has been happening since they invented beer. Administrators don't have the balls to do anything serious about it as it will or may compromise the sides chances of winning with one of their best players out for being a drunk and displaying stupid behaviour. The problem with Guilfords behaviour is that while most of us as young blokes may have done things under the influence that we would rather forget Guilford repeatedly transgresses, maybe he doesn't have much to reason with up top. Thats the only thing I can think of to excuse him.