The Waratahs have thrown former All Black Zac Guildford a lifeline, and he will join them for the 2016 Super Rugby season on a ten-month contract.
Guildford will start with the Waratahs after the 2015 ITM Cup tournament, where he is playing for Hawke’s Bay.
Guildford is better known of late for his off-field issues, which led to him leaving the
However, still at just 26 years of age, and with plenty of good rugby behind and in front of him, Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson threw the New Zealand native a Super Rugby lifeline.
Guildford has earned 79 Super Rugby caps with the Hurricanes and Crusaders, scoring 29 tries.
After his issues in New Zealand, he left to play with Clermont in France, where he played 21 times for three tries.
The winger, at his best, possesses great speed and evasive footwork that has seen him play 11 games for the All Blacks.
Gibson said signing Guildford would provide cover in the outside backs after they lost Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham and Taqele Naiyaravoro..
“There were a few reasons we opted to sign Zac, not having three of our starting outside backs in Ashley-Cooper, Naiyaravoro, and Betham was a big drain on experience in the backs,” Gibson said.
“We’ve got some excellent young emerging prospects in the squad, like Andrew Kellaway, Henry Clunies-Ross, and Harry Jones – all of whom will be quality players given time – but I felt like I needed a ready-made player who has been proven at Super Rugby level.
Gibson acknowledged that Guildford’s issues, but said he was prepared to earn the trust of his teammates.
“I’ve spoken with Zac extensively, and he is prepared to earn the respect of his teammates through his actions, and to uphold the values of our club,” Gibson said.
“The coaching staff at Hawke’s Bay were generous enough to allow him some time to visit us for a few days, and it gave us the opportunity to make our expectations really clear to Zac about being here at the Waratahs.
“He’s probably been carrying that ‘bad-boy’ baggage around with him for the past few years, and from my observations he has moved past it and grown up a bit – his challenge will be to demonstrate he can make good choices and prove that.
“Of course his signature comes with risks for both parties, but we strongly believe in his ability and will support him with his efforts to continue his rugby career, he’s highly motivated and aspirational about his career – so our challenge will be to get the best out of him.
Guildford also played in the 2010 Gold Medal-winning New Zealand team at the Commonwealth Games.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I'm not certain Cheika is involved in jersey design...
atlas
Guest
It's in his best career interests; seems no NZ Super franchise wishes to employ him. It may be the third or fourth chance that he needs Before relocating he's in a charity boxing match 'fight for life' in December v someone, Art Green, who was on a tv show The Bachelor Suppose this counts as his second fight? Expect he'll be required to wear clothes for this one ! Good luck Zac
cookie
Roar Guru
Probably not the wisest signing.. The lads' had issues and would be best surrounded by family in a familiar environment not in a large city full of temptation... Are the Tah's going to employ a full time nannie for him? Besides surely we have a few more decent wingers running around in the NRC? Good luck to him and the Tah's but somehow i just can't shake the feeling that it's not in the best interests of either party.
Boomeranga
Guest
Why would we pay overs for a winger? There are exciting young rugby players here already, including Jones and Ranga we've already signed, plus 12 NRL clubs bringing ball runners to the city from all over the pacific that Cheika or his scouts have twice shown can bring us value. Why pay overs for trouble? I don't dislike Zac by any means but I don't want him at the Waratahs. One of the first things Cheika did was put a map of the state on the back of the jersey. Gibson needs to recognise that.
Brawlsinmauls
Guest
Man why are the force always sleeping
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
lol was about to post that Paul ;)
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
Isn't Foley off to Japan or something? Surely the Tahs can sign Cipriani as well to unite the holy trinity of Rugby d#ckh3@ds....
paul andersen
Guest
zac and beale will be able to show the young guys how to party.
Playmaker
Guest
Beale ,mate !!!!
DanFan
Guest
Gibson will have his hands full with his head coach role. Guilford almost needs a full-time mentor so something is going to miss out here.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Second?! Try...
Breakdown
Guest
All young men deserve a second chance
Playmaker
Guest
Gibson would be a great coach for Guildford , both ABs and both played for the Crusaders. Gibson should be able to get the best out him , so it is a good gamble and a win/win situation for all concerned.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Your generousity overwhelms me.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Where theres smoke theres always fire, this earlier denied at some point. Good on him though...might even support the Tahs now!
Slacky
Guest
Looking forward to Zac joining the Tahs. I think he will be a great asset and a great mentor for some of the new guys.
MatthewSkellett
Guest
I thought we'd dodged the bullet on this guy? :-/
Machooka
Roar Guru
Welcome to da Tahs Zac... and I hope it goes well for all concerned.
Digby
Roar Guru
Hey, Harry, didn't know you were being lined up for the Tahs ;)
Ralph
Roar Guru
Good luck to the young man.