Gibson keen to have Zac in Tahs attack

Hawke’s Bay rugby boss Mike Bishop is backing Zac Guildford to make an impact in Super Rugby again.

Australian media have linked Guildford with the Sydney-based Waratahs, who will be coached by former All Black Daryl Gibson next season.

Gibson worked with Guildford during his tenure at the Crusaders as an assistant coach before joining the Waratahs’ management in 2013. Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported one of Gibson’s first moves was to get in touch with the 11-test All Black. They said terms had been agreed although a formal contract was yet to be signed.

Bishop had not heard much about Guildford’s proposed move, but believed he could be a success again: ‘‘Zac is only 26 years old, which is not an old man in rugby terms. He’s a decent athlete and he has been an All Black. You’d imagine at that age, he’s still got quite a significant amount to offer at Super Rugby.’’

The Waratahs declined to comment, saying they did not speak about recruitment until contracts were signed.

Guildford, who has battled alcohol issues, has been solid for Hawke’s Bay since returning from France after quitting his deal with Clermont earlier this year.

The Waratahs, who were eliminated by the title-winning Highlanders in the semifinals this season, are on the lookout for an outside back after losing Peter Betham and Taqele Naiyaravoro to overseas contracts. Guildford would take up the foreign marquee slot held by South African Jacques Potgieter for the past two years.

Bishop was reluctant to comment when asked if Guildford could handle the bright lights of Sydney and being away from New Zealand given his past troubles.

‘‘He’s at home in our environment playing footy with us and we’re happy to have him in town at the moment. What happens beyond that is Zac’s business and not for us to comment.’’

Guildford started his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes in 2008 before shifting south to the Crusaders, where he played until 2014.

He has 79 Super Rugby caps to his name and has also represented New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sevens.