30 May 2014

Guildford's contract terminated

4:14 pm on 30 May 2014

The New Zealand Rugby Union has cut former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford loose, terminating his contract.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen says following discussions with the Crusaders and with Guildford, it was decided to terminate his contract effective immediately.

Guildford was contracted to the end of the Super rugby season but is now free to take up a new contract he has signed with Clermont Auvergne in France.

Sorensen says the 25-year-old Guildford is talented but troubled and he's struggled to meet the commitments he made to keep on top of personal issues.

Guildford has been involved in several alcohol fuelled incidents over past years admitting last year he was an alcoholic and spending time at a rehabilitation centre.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says they wish Guildford well in France and doubts he'll play professional rugby here again.