Guildford putting up a fight against his demons
He was born in a small town in New Zealand, has accumulated 79 Super Rugby caps, 10 All Black Test caps and tasted rugby in France.
True to Tahs' form, pre-season training has seen players and coaches alike pacing up hills and grappling physical challenges in the middle of hot and dry fields.
But before the perspiration has time to dry from Zac's brow, he's up boxing, preparing for his first bout.
And he's seeing positive results, both in his boxing form and rugby ability.
"It's been hard but it has also been quite rewarding in seeing my fitness results. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a long time now," Zac said.
"I just wanted to come here in the best shape I possibly could, and I think boxing has really helped with that.
"My goal is to hopefully be the best wing in Super Rugby and contribute to this team as much as I can so the fitter I can be it's only going to help.
"Obviously it's a bit of a change from New Zealand with the heat, so training has been pretty intense. It's been one of the hardest pre-seasons I've done in a while but has been enjoyable."
The extra fitness would help with pre-season training taking place in some of the hottest temperatures NSW has seen in November. But that hasn't slowed Zac down at all, and the Coach is impressed.
Gibson has had nothing but positive feedback about Zac's ability and persistence, after topping his fitness tests. The pair spent time together back during their days at the Crusaders where Gibson was assistant coach.
"Gibbo sent me a message, I obviously know him from the Crusaders. He said if I was keen, they could use my experience. We got talking more and the offer eventually came up.
"I thought it would be a good place to be, the Waratahs have created an awesome legacy in the past, and across the past few seasons, and I just hope I can add to that."
Zac's love for rugby radiates out of his sturdy frame.
"As soon as I could pick up a rugby ball and kick it at the age of two or three. I've always loved the game.
"I started playing when I was five for a small town called Greytown in New Zealand. I followed my Dad everywhere and the passion continued to develop."
Zac made his provincial debut for Hawke's Bay in 2007 at the age of 18. One year later he was turning heads with the Hurricanes. Zac also played a key part in the New Zealand side that beat England in the final of the Junior World Championship in 2009 and contributed to the Kiwi Sevens Commonwealth Games gold medal win in 2010.
At 26 years of age, however, Zac is keen for more.
"Hopefully I've still got a few highlights to come, but at the moment I'm just focusing on getting that sky blue jersey on for the Waratahs," Zac said.
On the boxing side, Zac's first hit-out will be against the Kiwi Bachelor, Art Green at the Fight for Life event in New Zealand this weekend.
"It's a big charity event for Hospice Waikato, so it's raising money for a wonderful cause.
"Boxing was something I never saw myself doing. When the opportunity came up I was a bit 50-50 about it at first, but then I thought about the benefits I could get out of it.
"Obviously fitness is one of them and boxing, being a good discipline, is another. You know, when I just wanted to stay on the coach and watch TV I had to get to get up and go boxing.
"I've been training for about three or four months now so I'm still slowly trying to progress, it's a pretty tough sport to master and I definitely haven't done that yet.
"You'll probably be able to see that in my first go, I'll be pretty dusty but hopefully I'll be able to get the win."
Zac's fight against Art Green in the Fight for Life event will take place over three two-minute rounds in Hamilton, New Zealand this Saturday.
Source: Waratahs media unit
