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Zac Guildford's latest setback leaves him contemplating retirement
By Online Editors
Troubled former All Black star Zac Guildford could quit rugby after the latest in a string of setbacks. The 30-year-old winger has confirmed that he is unwanted by Waikato for their Mitre 10 Cup campaign and admits he is considering giving up on the game.
Guildford, who has been plagued by off-field problems with alcohol and depression, returned to New Zealand earlier this year after walking out on French club Nevers in January after signing with them in 2018.
He has since settled in Hamilton and has been playing for club side Fraser Tech, who take on Hautapu in Saturday's Waikato club rugby final.
The 11-cap All Black told Stuff being turned down by Waikato was "pretty disappointing" after he had been training with the Mooloos for several months.
"There's that little bit of me that thinks I have unfinished business in rugby, but there's another side of me that's telling me to walk away," Guildford told Stuff.
In February, Guildford told the New Zealand Herald his previous problems were what drove him to quit France.
"I moved to France because I thought I was ready to stand on my own two feet and earn some good money and play rugby but I realised I need to be around family," he said, shortly after being rushed to hospital after being involved in a motorbike accident while celebrating his birthday in Thailand.
"There were no incidents like there had been in the past. Me and the club left on good terms and I wish them all the best and have good relationships with all the boys.
"It was just mentally, for me, I needed to come home. I didn't want to spiral out of control again. I've only been home five days and already my heart feels a lot fuller."
- New Zealand Herald
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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