Get Newsletter

All Blacks troubled World Cup winner exits French club

SPOTLIGHT: Kiwi wing Zac Guildford, who was part of the All Blacks World Cup-winning squad in 2011, has left French division two leaders Nevers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 29-year-old, who joined the ambitious ProD2 club last year, has turned out 10 times this season, scoring three tries.

“My time @usonneversrugby has come to an end,” Guildford said on Instagram.

“It’s not the way I wanted things to be but I’d like to thank everyone in Nevers for the support and opportunity especially the president. So grateful for the understanding of the club that I need to be with my family at this time,”

Guildford added: “Before any second hand rumours come out there were no incidents I just have to do this for myself and my family to better my future. Much love to all.”

The wing, capped 10 times by New Zealand between 2009-12, has throughout his career fought alcohol problems he blames on a personal tragedy.

That struck in 2009 when his father Robert died of a heart attack watching from the stands as Guildford and his New Zealand teammates won the Junior World Cup in Tokyo.

ADVERTISEMENT

It set off a descent from World Cup heroics in 2011 to serious alcohol problems and his eventual sacking from the Canterbury Crusaders in 2014 following, among other things, a naked brawl in the Cook Islands.

Guildford, who most recently played Super Rugby in 2016 for the Waratahs, first went to France to join Clermont, but walked out of a contract with the Top 14 side in 2015 citing “personal reasons”.

Agence France-Presse

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

RugbyPass has created a next-generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game-winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment