Troubled All Blacks winger Zac Guildford will miss the opening match of the Crusaders' Super Rugby season, a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing has ruled.
The decision follows a booze-fuelled binge in Rarotonga last month, in which Guildford was alleged to have sexually harassed a female triathlete and then, after shedding his clothes and with blood streaming from a head wound, attacked two men in a bar.
Guildford will be unavailable for the Crusaders' first Super Rugby match against the Blues at Eden Park on February 24, but will be eligible for selection the following week, when the Crusaders meet the Highlanders in Dunedin.
He will also miss the Crusaders' pre-season fixtures in February against the Highlanders in Greymouth, the Hurricanes at Mangatainoka, and the Rebels in Australia.
The NZRU hearing has found Guildford's behaviour to be unprofessional, and brought the game into disrepute.
A number of other sanctions have been imposed on Guildford, including a requirement to undergo alcohol treatment and counselling as directed at his own expense.
NZRU professional rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said the NZRU and Guildford agreed that professional treatment and counselling provided by external specialists was an essential part of his rehabilitation.
"Taking players out of rugby is not something we do lightly," Sorensen said.
"But we have taken into account the fact that with regard to alcohol-related behaviour, Zac does not have an exemplary record."
He said Guildford had embarrassed himself, his family, his teammates, and New Zealand rugby.
"We believe Zac brought the game into disrepute and the sanctions reflect the gravity of the situation and the need for a real pathway to recovery."
Guildford acknowledged his behaviour had been unacceptable, and said he was working to resolve his issues.
"I'm embarrassed by what has happened, but I know that I let down the many people who support me. I am focused on getting myself into the place I need to be when I return to rugby next year," he said.
Home