NZRU tears up Guilford's contract
The New Zealand Rugby Union terminated troubled wing Zac Guildford's contract on Thursday, but said the door was still open for a return to the national squad.
The decision means Guildford, whose struggles with alcohol have been well documented, will be free to pursue a fresh start with French club side Clermont earlier than anticipated.
The 25-year-old was due to see out his NZRU contract with the Crusaders until the end of the Super Rugby season, then make the switch to the Top 14 with Clermont.
But NZRU General Manager Neil Sorensen said a decision had been made to let Guildford go sooner, rather than later, saying the player was still trying to deal with his issues.
"We're really disappointed that Zac has not been able to achieve his full potential in New Zealand – he is a good man, talented but troubled," Sorensen said.
"Zac has struggled to continue to meet the commitments he made to himself to keep on top of his personal issues. Ultimately those issues are private to Zac, but all parties agree that cutting ties now is the sensible decision."
Guildford will not be eligible for All Black selection while in France, but Sorensen said that did not mean he could not eventually return if he succeeded in turning his life around.
"We hope that a change of environment, culture, new mates and challenges for this next stage of his young career will be the catalyst to springboard him back into the top form we know he can achieve both on and off the field," Sorensen said.
"We hope he keeps the dream to pursue the black jersey alive and returns one day to fulfil that," he added.
Guildford played the last of his 10 Tests for New Zealand in mid-2012.
His alcohol problems first emerged publicly when he was reprimanded by All Blacks' management during their 2011 World Cup campaign.
Just weeks later, after New Zealand had won the tournament, he had a meltdown while holidaying in the Cook Islands, running naked into a bar and punching two men.
Then in January last year he allegedly became involved in a brawl at a party in Christchurch, prompting him temporarily to withdraw from the sport and seek help.
In March the New Zealand Rugby Union cleared him to return, although he has failed to secure a regular spot with the Crusaders this season.
Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder said it had not been easy for Guilford or the Crusaders to come to this point, but in the end they had mutually agreed that the best way forward is for him to make a fresh start in France.
"Zac has been a Crusader for four years and there are a lot of people here who care about him a lot," Blackadder said.
"We've been working alongside him to try and help him reach his true potential both on and off the field and we wish him nothing but the best for the future.
"There is no doubt that Zac has had some tough times in the last few years and there have been disappointments for all of us, but he is a bright young man with plenty of rugby left in him and we will be sending our best wishes and support with him for the next step in his career and life," Blackadder added.
The Crusaders will not replace Guildford for the remainder of this season.
