New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Zac Guildford’s contract has been terminated.
New Zealand Rugby General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen said that following discussions with the Crusaders and with Guildford, the national union has agreed to terminate his contract effective immediately.
Guildford was contracted to the end of the 2014 Super Rugby season but is now free to take up a new contract he has signed with Clermont Auvergne in France.
“We’re really disappointed that Zac has not be able to achieve his full potential in New Zealand. He is a good man, talented but troubled," Sorensen said.
“Zac has struggled to continue to meet the commitments he made to himself to keep on top of his personal issues. Ultimately those issues are private to Zac but all parties agree that cutting ties now is the sensible decision.
“We hope that a change of environment, culture, new mates and challenges for this next stage of his young career will be the catalyst to springboard him back into the top form we know he can achieve both on and off the field.
“We hope he keeps the dream to pursue the black jersey alive, and returns one day to fulfil that,” Sorensen said.
Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder said it had not been easy for Zac or the Crusaders to come to this point, but in the end they had mutually agreed that the best way forward for Zac is for him to make a fresh start in France.
“Zac has been a Crusader for four years and there are a lot of people here who care about him a lot. We've been working alongside him to try and help him reach his true potential both on and off the field and we wish him nothing but the best for the future.
“There is no doubt that Zac has had some tough times in the last few years and there have been disappointments for all of us, but he is a bright young man with plenty of rugby left in him and we will be sending our best wishes and support with him for the next step in his career and life,” Blackadder said.
The Crusaders will not replace Guildford for the remainder of this season.
