‘There’ll be no special treatment’

Once Zac Guildford played beside some of the highest-paid rugby players in the world, but now his teammates are farmers in a side not entitled to any match fees.

Chief executive Tony Hargood says his Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union has taken an “eyes-wide-open” attitude to offering the troubled former All Black an amateur contract with the Heartland Championship team.

“I just felt there was an opportunity.

“I gave Zac a handshake and I think he’s going to be all right,” Hargood told

“Zac has been open about the challenges he’s facing [with alcohol] and he has got personal responsibilities around those matters.”

He has, however, made it clear to Guildford he won’t be getting any special treatment.

“When I originally spoke to Zac I said, ‘This is amateur rugby at its best and you’re going to have to turn up and do your job just like everyone else, we don’t have a lot of wraparound services and you won’t be treated any differently’.”

Hargood, who went to Chanel College with Guildford’s mother, hopes a return to rustic rugby will be the foundation for the 27-year-old one day returning to the pro ranks.

But until then, the only money he’ll receive is for expenses of around $100 a match, like everyone else. “The other players in the team are predominantly farmers; it’s not uncommon for us to see them turn up in their ute with the dog in the back, overalls still on.”