NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is leaning on experience gleaned from a family tragedy with alcoholism to help troubled ex-All Black Zac Guildford re-launch his Super Rugby career in Sydney.
Guildford, who has a history of alcohol-related issues, admits drinking remained a problem after he cut short a stint with French club Clermont and returned to New Zealand this year.
The 26-year-old accepts his contract with the Waratahs represents a final opportunity and has vowed to stay off alcohol.
“This is the last chance saloon for me and if I stuff it up, it’s game over,” Guildford told New Zealand’s TV One, acknowledging he was an alcoholic.
“I’ve had so many problems with alcohol. Look, I’ve still made mistakes this year to be honest. I don’t blame anyone else but myself.”
Gibson is supportive and understands the battle ahead for Guildford after the new NSW coach lost his sister Kiri to alcoholism earlier this year.
Guildford linked up with the Waratahs last week as they began pre-season training. Gibson said he had been one of the side’s best trainers so far.
“The pleasing thing is Zac is trying to be a better man, to make better choices,” Gibson said on Tuesday.
“In terms of rules and so forth it is a bit like a pre-nuptial, Zac knows very clearly of the boundaries we have set for him, making sure that he protects the team at all times.
“He is very aware of that and so far he has been brilliant.”
Gibson was encouraged by Guildford’s honesty.
“He has made a bold, courageous statement that he wants to stay away from the drink,” Gibson said.
“I have been personally touched by addiction, I lost my sister to alcoholism and she was only 44, I really understand what he is going through, just how devastating addiction is in terms of the ups and downs and the families and people close to them go through.
“The great think about Zac is that he is an honest person. He has come out and shown everyone ‘this is what I want to do’ and I want to support him.”
Guildford said he had used his father’s death due to a heart attack while watching him play in the under-20s championship as an “excuse” for his drinking.
It has contributed to an number of disciplinary issues. Just last month he was stood down by his provincial team Hawke’s Bay following a binge after their Ranfurly Shield loss to Waikato.
“I know how hard it’s going to be (not drinking) but I don’t want to live the life I’ve been living for the last six years because it’s been pretty average,” he said.
Gibson was coaching the Crusaders when Guildford was coming up through the ranks and said the winger could still return to the heights that earned him 11 Tests with the All Blacks, the last in 2012.
” I said to him you are going to have to be the best Super Rugby winger in the competition for the All Blacks to even look at you again,” Gibson said.
“So he is very focused on going through that process toward become that type of player.”
Guildford has signed a 10-month contract with the Waratahs. He last played Super Rugby with the Crusaders in 2014.
allblackfan
Guest
First of all, I wish Zac all the best with his personal battles. God speed, young man. But I worry ... Australia's liquor laws are slightly more liberal than NZ even after the lockout crackdown. I'm reminded of the Willie Ripia situation; a kiwi rugby player who had a gambling problem should never have joined an Australian team given the predominance of gambling advertising (no offence!). Hopefully, Gibson can keep him on track but that's no guarantee ...
Squirrel
Guest
Zac you will love the x
Jerry
Guest
It was covered in the press, the Hurricanes issues a press release about, Steve Hansen has mentioned it. I'm not saying they couldn't have come down harder on Savea, but they didn't exactly sweep it under the rug.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
It was pretty well covered in the media in NZ. The NZRU has no control over the media by the way.
taylorman
Roar Guru
I agree, soft talk is over, and hasn't worked. Only an iron will will see him through, though he probably knows that.
taylorman
Roar Guru
So am I, he's had multiple regressions the last in the last few months. His story is particularly concerning in that he goes way past the happy drunk stage. Not uncommon but a profile magnifies the problem exponentially. The new position, offshore, high expectations, all that goes with the pressure...it's a huge ask and he'll need to be stronger than ever. I'm not one for expecting a huge network of support for Zac because that detracts from him owning the problem and if anything it gives him an out to look for when at some point that supports not there...in his own mind that is. Saw it again and again with Jessie Ryder. Only one person can stop the rot and that's Zac himself. All the best to him,mand be great to see him go well for the Tahs and if he's good enough the AB jersey some say again.
Upfromdown
Guest
Happens everywhere. Apart from potentially being a genuine mistake is reflects that sports journalists/editors aren't always interested in sports.. I recall a NZ Herald article criticising a player for his performance in a test that they were not even playing in.
Winston
Guest
he should never have been an all black with Hosea Gear there
Upfromdown
Guest
Savea did seem to get off lightly. If it happened in Australia then it would be all over the press. Maybe the NZRU don't want anyone or anything ruining brand All Black especially if they have to call them out publicly? I liken it to AFL in a way that they have a primarily supportive and somewhat blind media.
Jacko
Guest
I really feel for Zac and what he has had to endure. To have the best day of your life (winning U20 world cup) and come off the field to find out your Dad ( and probable biggist fan and supporter) has died of a heart attack must have been absolutely devastating. I hope with all my heart that he is able to play great rugby and enjoy a fruitful life. (just no trophy's please as he is playing for NSW.) All the best Zac
Adrian
Roar Rookie
Oh well....
Jerry
Guest
Savea was stood down by the Canes.
Adrian
Roar Rookie
Good post Big Dog. I'm with you, and appreciate anyone who shares their experience strength and hope, and has a go.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
Guildford was contracted to NZ Rugby (Crusaders) in 2014 but was released early to take up a contract in France. Guildford's issues prior to that and since are well documented. As I said NZ Rugby did not "just kick him to the kerb" as you put it.
Mamma
Guest
The Sydney herald is beyond poor. Todays golf report "His grandfather was a Test cricketer for New Zealand, his father a legendary All Blacks halfback turned selector. And Ryan Fox? He dabbled in both before settling on golf as his sport of choice. All Black half back?? - Grant Fox was a Number 10
Tigranes
Guest
Was he suspended or kicked out of the All Blacks? I think Jimmy Cowan had a few issues with the grog and got into some problems, I think he was suspended. Savea assaulted his ex-girlfriend and wasn't even suspended, not a good example, even NFL teams would suspend team members for doing that.
Hertryk
Guest
The first stage of learning is silence... the second stage is listening.. Zac is very lucky to have Gibson..
Hertryk
Guest
The Force supporters are still waiting for Tim Horan's through Northbridge or a sizable donation to charity....
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
NZ Rugby did no such thing.
Machooka
Roar Guru
'... and work your ass off.' Yeah... and talking of which please no more nudie runs! :)