Wayward All Blacks winger Zac Guildford was cleared Thursday to return to the New Zealand national team and Super 15 rugby following a series of alcohol-related incidents, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said.
NZRU professional rugby manager Neil Sorensen said strict conditions had been imposed on the 24-year-old, who withdrew from rugby in January after reportedly becoming involved in a brawl at a party.
“This decision was not reached lightly or hastily, and follows a very thorough misconduct process and consultation with medical experts,” Sorensen said in a statement.
The conditions Guildford must abide by were not made public but the player is believed to have undergone an intensive treatment programme at a private clinic in recent months and committed to a continuing care plan.
Guildford’s alcohol problems first emerged publicly when he was reprimanded by All Blacks’ management during the 2011 World Cup.
Two months later, after New Zealand had won the tournament, he had a meltdown while holidaying in the Cooks Islands, running naked into a bar and allegedly punching two men.
At the time, he announced a self-imposed 12-month drinking ban which he failed to maintain.
Guildford admitted he was running out of chances and thanked the NZRU and Super 15 team the Canterbury Crusaders for taking him back.
“I know I have apologised for my behaviour before and that people’s patience has grown thin,” he said.
“For that reason, I am hugely grateful that I have been given this opportunity to show that I really am serious about getting my life heading in the right direction.
“I appreciate it may well have been easier for the NZRU and Crusaders to terminate my employment, rather than continue to support me in the way they are.”
The winger has played 10 Tests and scored six tries for the All Blacks.
Troubled Guildford to return to All Blacks, Super 15
