Super Rugby
Zac Guildford set to stay home in New Zealand
August 12, 2015
Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford trybound, Hawkes Bay v Wairarapa-Bush, Ranfurly Shield, McLean park, Napier, July 9, 2015
Hawke's Bay's Zac Guildford © Getty Images
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Former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford has had a change of heart about playing Super Rugby for New South Wales Waratahs and is set to pull out of a one-year contract. Guildford, 26, is poised to exercise an out-clause in the deal he signed last week, having initially embraced the approach from new Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson.

"I've had a rethink and I've decided it might be better to stay closer to home and family and friends," Guildford told Hawke's Bay Today.

The 10-Test All Black cut short a contract with French giants Clermont this year to return home, citing homesickness in the continuation a chequered professional career. Off-field incidents and ongoing problems with alcohol earned reprimands from All Blacks and Crusaders management before his departure for France.

Guildford said two weeks ago that he was thrilled by the prospect of linking again with Gibson, whom he played under at the Crusaders, and playing alongside Wallabies backs such as Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale, but the former Hurricanes and Crusaders winger has now indicated "there could be a bit of interest from New Zealand Super teams too".

He begins his eighth ITM Cup campaign with Hawke's Bay in Napier on Sunday, when the Magpies defend the Ranfurly Shield against Northland.

© AAP

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