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Guildford determined to rebuild career

Guildford, who signed with Australian outfit the Waratahs, has a history of alcohol abuse and in 2013 admitted to having "addictive tendencies" following a stint in a rehabilitation facility.

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Asked on Seven Sharp if he was an alcoholic, the 26-year-old said: "Yeah because I've had so many problems with alcohol. Look, I've still made mistakes this year to be honest.

"I don't blame anyone else but myself. It's either one beer or 24 beers and I've got to look to take some responsibility."

In the interview Guildford also admitted using his father' death during an Under-20 World Championship game in Japan as an "excuse" for his drinking. 

Making his international debut aged just 20, he also admitted to struggling with the demands of playing for the national side.

"I did feel the pressure at times," he added. "I remember before the [2011] World Cup I was lying in bed and I sort of put the blanket back over my head, I didn't even want to leave home, you know.

"People do look up to us when we're wearing the All Black jersey and they expect us to act in a professional way. When we don't the public come down pretty hard on us."

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However, Guildford said he had given up the booze and was inspired by the All Blacks' recent World Cup triumph in England.

"I know how hard it's going to be but I don't want to live the life I've been living for the last six years because it's been pretty average."

Source: stuff.co.nz

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