Guilford faces judgment day
Crusaders wing Zac Guildford's playing future could be determined at a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) disciplinary hearing on Thursday.
The 23-year-old will learn his fate at the hearing after being involved in an alcohol-related incident in Christchurch in January, his latest serious offence since a drunken, naked episode in Rarotonga in November 2011 that led to a four-match suspension.
Guildford volunteered to stand down from the Crusaders and agreed to seek counselling at a drug and alcohol recovery retreat near Ohakune in the central North Island following the latest incident.
The troubled All Black speedster is reportedly making good progress and has remained in contact with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and some of his teammates.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew refused to speculate the outcome of Thursday’s hearing.
"I can't pre-determine anything in a process like this and I wouldn't do it anyway because that wouldn't be fair or reasonable," Tew said.
It is believed Guildford's future may hinge on whether the NZRU deem the latest incident "an act of misconduct" or "serious misconduct."
Guildford’s contract with the Crusaders expires at the end of the current Super Rugby season and he has not re-signed with Hawke's Bay.
