NZRU to help Guildford

THE NEW Zealand Rugby Union will bring in expertise to help troubled All Black wing Zac Guildford.

It also confirmed the 22-year-old will face a misconduct hearing following his drunken rampage in Rarotonga.

Guildford returned to New Zealand this morning, having been cleared by Cook Island Police to leave, and after offering to meet and apologise face-to-face to people he had encountered during his drunken rampage.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen says while Guildford had embarrassed himself and rugby, it was important to provide a structured and on-going plan of support for him

“From an employer’s perspective, the events in Rarotonga have been incredibly disappointing and Zac needs to be accountable for his actions.  This will involve Zac going through our misconduct process over the coming weeks,” he says.

“However, it is fairly clear that there are some very big issues involved here, and rugby cannot provide all the solutions on our own.  We are working with a professional counselling organisation which will provide guidance and input as to the next steps for the coming days, weeks and months.

“That will obviously require a joint approach with Zac, his family and other supporters, the Crusaders and the NZRU.”