Barnstorming Wallabies winger Taqele Naiyaravoro has made his return to the NSW Waratahs side to prepare for the final three rounds of the Super Rugby season.
However, Naiyaravoro’s arrival has come at the expense of former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford, who has decided to end his contract at the club and return to New Zealand.
The Waratahs announced the signing of Naiyaravoro last month, with the powerful winger deciding to return to the club where he made his Super Rugby debut after a stint in the UK with the Glasgow Warriors.
After Naiyaravoro’s promising appearance off the bench for the Wallabies against England on Saturday night, where the winger scored his second try in as many Tests, the move looks to be a promising one, even with the loss of Guildford.
Naiyaravoro scored nine tries in his previous 20 appearances with the Waratahs and was a part of the squad which claimed the club’s first Super Rugby title in 2014. The following year was a break-out one for the Fijian-born winger, who, after making his first run-on appearance for NSW, finished in the top five try-scorers for the season.
His new deal ties him to the Waratahs until the end of the 2018 Super Rugby Season.
Guildford, who was capped 11 times by the All Blacks, signed a short-term contract with the Waratahs last September, however, he was hampered during his time in NSW by a broken toe. The injury restricted him to just seven appearances for the season, and he was only able to score the one try against his former club the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Following his exit from the Waratahs, Guildford has signed to play with Tasman in New Zealand’s National Provincial League.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Nonsense, Guildford felt this was the best time to return to NZ Rugby and play in the ITM Cup so that he can make the Crusaders next year (which he will) because crusaders would lose not one but 2 wingers after this season in Nemani Nadolo who is headed to Top14 in France and Johnny McNicoll who will join Welsh side, Scarlets....A back 3 of Guildford, Dagg and Macilai next year looks promising..
CUW
Guest
hopefully he does not end up like a PAul gascoigne. .....
Jibba Jabba
Guest
"cheikaculture"
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Not true. He has not won any title with the Argentine SENIOR national team.He has won plenty with others, including a gold medal in the Olympics.
Celtic334
Guest
Exactly. I personally don't think TN will ever be a world beater but he is super rugby quality. Plus the most exciting thing here is the fact that we have another Australian qualified player, playing week in and week out. Esp on the wing which is something we need. His massive frame is extremely difficult to bring down when his team has the ball 5m out and he's one on one on the wing.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah was wondering. He's really got it bad. Pity. A great kid. Let's hope he picks up again here.
Loup
Guest
Daryl Gibson’s comments obliquely suggest that perhaps he relapsed after his injury.
Daveski
Guest
Foxsports article alludes to ongoing issues with alcohol and Gibson is basically quoted as saying there was just too many challenges. Seems like Tahs had little choice.
taylorman
Roar Guru
He seemed to go without incident? while in Sydney so that's something. I think he still has a lot to offer. He could have been a lot better than he was if not for the issues. Had very good instincts.
Loup
Guest
I hope Zac finds success across the ditch with his game and with managing his health issues. The mental health issues are the most important thing of all to address, without managing this seriously he'll struggle to achieve his goals.
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
I agree that the title is a bit disrespectful. Zak G has a lot to offer. However I guess the ARU needs to make places available for Wallaby qualified players. I hope Zak finds a role at the Crusaders. He has loads of ability.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Your title "sends Zac Guildford packing" is a bit disrespectful to a bloke who has done his best for the Tahs, despite a broken toe. Zac has a few issues with his personal life and was heading back to NZ at the end of the SR season anyway. The fact that TN came back to Oz meant all agreed that Zac could leave early. There is a video clip somewhere with Tahs coach Daryl Gibson explaining. A shame as I would much rather have Z.Guildford on the wing than R.Robinson who clearly needs some rugby skills coaching. RR keeps wanting to play RL but for a bloke who should be able to take the ball in traffic, he has terrible hands. And yes, TN has been training hard at WB camp for 3 weeks and in the video, both he and Gibson giggle at his weight. He must have looked like Ronald McDonald when he arrived in Oz in early June.
Davo
Guest
This is surprising. I would have thought the best option for the Tahs was to have Naiyaravoro replace Reece Robinson on one wing, with Zac Guildford on the other wing, while Rob Horne moves to inside centre to replace Beale. When it comes to a choice between Guildford and Robinson, surely Guildford is a much better option regardless of other issues.
Jacko
Guest
A very fast and skillful player. Yes that Guilford not Naiyaravoro who could be good once he loses 20kg
Jigbon
Guest
Guildford is no great loss. He was ordinary if not atrocious for most of his games for the Waratahs. A lost soul I fear.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Very surprising. The bloke scored nine tries in his first season of super rugby.. Goes to show people will whinge about anything. What has happened to Australia?
CUW
Guest
on other news the most valauable football player on earth LIONEL MESSI has retired from international football , after the Argies were defeated by Chillie in COPA AMERICA finals. he missed a penalty (score 0;0 aet) which signalled the end of a career in which he has never won ANY TITLE with the argentina national team .
Cynical Play
Guest
..yep...meant Crusaders
Digs
Guest
I didn't realize Naiyaravoro had come on during the Wallabies match and commented to my mate at the game as to how stupid the Wallabies were to have a front row prop trying to chase a kick. Then I said he cant be a front row prop, he's too slow! It was then I realised he was supposed to be a winger. Of he drops 30kg and gains about 10 seconds over the 100m he might be good.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yep!