Reports out of New Zealand suggest that perennial booze offender Zac Guildford could be set for a return to the Crusaders sometime this Super Rugby season.
According to The New Zealand Herald, assistant coach Aaron Mauger has told a local radio station that they’re hoping Guildford, who’s on indefinite leave following another alcohol-related incident, can get through the next few weeks and potentially make a return.
It had been thought Kurt Baker would be elevated from the wider training squad to permanently replace Guildford, but he injured a hamstring at the Wellington Sevens.
Guildford was withdrawn indefinitely from the Crusaders for this year’s Super Rugby season following a punch up at a party at a Christchurch house on January 12.
The Zac Guildford naughty report:
August 2011: Broke team rules when he left the All Blacks’ hotel to go out after their Bledisloe Cup victory against Australia at Eden Park. Within weeks, he drank heavily and broke the team curfew after the All Blacks’ 25-20 defeat to the Wallabies.
September 2011: Guildford admitted to having issues with alcohol and promised he would get problem under control.
November 2011: The 23-year-old was arrested after he stormed into Trader Jacks in Rarotonga naked and allegedly punched two men. He then announced a self-imposed 12-month drinking ban, saying: “I need to sort myself out.”
November 2012: After being photographed drinking at a function, Guildford said he had changed his ways and now trusted himself to enjoy one or two drinks with friends.
