Guildford in Wairarapa Bush squad
Former All Black Zac Guildford has been selected for the Wairarapa Bush training squad, just a month after his name suppression bid for punching a woman in the face was declined.
The 32-year-old, who calls Wairarapa his “home” where he feels “most grounded", said he still enjoys playing rugby and the game gives him a “chance to release my emotions for 80 minutes on the field in a positive way”.
Guildford was sentenced in January for the assault that happened in a car in 2019. An extremely intoxicated Guildford hit the woman without warning with a blow described in court as “savage”.
The survivor’s injuries included two black eyes, serious bruising, and swelling. She has ongoing health implications because of the assault.
Guildford was sentenced to two years of intense supervision and sought permanent name suppression at his January sentencing, citing that being named would impact his career. Last month, the High Court ruled against his bid for suppression.
Wairarapa Bush chief executive Tony Hargood confirmed Guildford’s selection for the wider squad, with the final team to be announced closer to the Heartland Championship in July.
Hargood said he does not ‘‘condone what happened’’ and the assault was ‘‘not acceptable’’.
‘‘We want to make that very clear,’’ he said.
‘‘This isn’t a second chance saloon situation for Zac.’’
Key members of the Wairarapa Bush staff, including coach Mark Rutene and Hargood, met with Guildford before the selection announcement to outline expectations for the former All Black.
‘‘It was a point-blank conversation,’’ he said.
‘‘He is from the Wairarapa, he’s part of our wha¯nau, but there are expectations and those expectations, not only on him but all the players . . . [are] to be adhered to.’’
Hargood said Guildford’s place in the final squad was not guaranteed.
‘‘He’s been given the expectations we’re looking for. The coaches and myself will reassess it later down the track.’’
That included not drinking alcohol, which aligned with Guildford’s sentence, and Hargood said there were ‘‘strong protocols’’ regarding drinking in the team environment.
Guildford said he outlined his “journey” with the rugby union, including not drinking, during the “good, honest discussion.”
“They were happy to hear where I was at. They accepted that. They had trust in that. It was good,” he said.
Wairarapa Bush has taken steps to address alcohol consumption with its rugby players, not only in the Heartland team but within the wider club setting.
Guildford, who is training every day, said he had his last alcoholic drink at the start of the year and said the Wairarapa rugby scene has been supportive of his recovery.
As Heartland rugby is ‘‘amateur’’, Guildford would not be given a paid contract, and would only receive approximately $120 in match fees.
It’s his second stint with Wairarapa Bush. He represented the union during the 2016 season. Guildford also holds a job with Yellow Brick Road, a suicide prevention organisation.
In the High Court decision released last month, Justice Paul Davison QC said, “the brutality and considerable force behind the blow is illustrated by the nature of the injuries caused to the victim.”
Guildford said since his name and sentence became public, it has been “tough”.
He regrets what he did, and “deserved” the punishment, he said.