At a hastily called press conference, Guildford said "there is a drinking issue" and that he was taking steps to get it under control. Manager Darren Shand said there had been concerns about Guildford's drinking through the Tri Nations tournament leading into the Rugby World Cup but he denied this had become a selection issue.
Guildford did not feature in the All Blacks' opening three games of the tournament, prompting speculation that he would see no game time at all. However, he was handed a start against Canada in New Zealand's final pool game and took his chance to shine in fine style, helping himself to four tries in a stunning individual display. He did not feature again in the tournament and watched from the stands as the All Blacks claimed the sport's biggest prize.
His drinking woes resurfaced a few weeks after their triumph though when the winger at the centre of a drunken assault claim during a holiday in the Cook Islands that made headlines across New Zealand. Guildford once again apologised for his actions and sought help to deal with his problem. Since getting to grips with his drinking at the start of he has returned to his best form. He played a key role in the Crusaders march to the Super Rugby semi-finals and scored eight tries on their way to the last four.
His form caught the eye of new All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen and he played in the first two Tests of the series against Ireland for his first caps since the World Cup win over Canada. The victim was sitting in the front passenger seat of a car, with Guildford in the rear, when, without warning, he punched her in the face. As the court heard, neither the victim nor the man could remember what spurred the assault, although it was apparently sparked by a remark about a family member.
The victim, who now lives overseas, was scheduled to fly out of the country the day after the incident, and had to do so with bruising over her face. She still has issues with breathing through her nose. He said Guildford had achieved fame as a young man, and had found it difficult. Quin said Guildford had been in discussions with a view to obtaining a contract to play rugby for a club in Western Australia, which could potentially lead to a place in the Western Force Super Rugby team.
Any sentence more than a conviction and discharge would likely prevent that from happening. Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Kennedy said the Western Australian club had not offered Guildford a playing contract. Former All Black Zac Guildford has lost a months-long appeal to keep his name secret after punching a woman in the face so hard she still has breathing issues.
Guildford was lambasted by Judge Robert Spear in the Hamilton District Court in January after being sentenced on a charge of male assaults female after the drunken incident on December 20, The game All Black veteran had been pushing for suppression so it wouldn't affect a possible rugby contract in Western Australia - where rugby bosses were unaware of his latest incident.
He appealed to the High Court in February, but in a decision released last month Justice Paul Davison dismissed both appeals and gave him a 20 working day extension on suppression.
At his sentencing, he was given 2 years' intensive supervision which would be reviewed after 12 months. The sentence also carries judicial monitoring which is where the sentencing judge is given reports of his progress every three months. Guildford is no stranger to controversy and has been open about his struggles with drugs, alcohol and depression since his All Blacks debut in In , he hit the headlines after a drunken, naked attack on two holidaymakers in Rarotonga.
Dripping wet and bleeding from a gash to his forehead and wounds on his chest and knees, the then year-old first punched one man in the bar who asked him if he needed help, then hit an Australian across the back of the head.
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