Family rally for troubled All Black

The Wairarapa family of troubled All Black Zac Guildford are trying to come to terms with his latest escapade in which a naked, drunk and bleeding Guildford staggered into a bar in Rarotonga and assaulted two holidaymakers.

Guildford's grandmother June Burt, who lives with her husband Frank in South Featherston, said they learned of the incident through the Herald on Sunday and had since spoken to Guildford's mother, their daughter Deb, at her Hawke's Bay home.

"She told us there was some talk he was suffering from coral poisoning but we are waiting to hear more about it before we really know what happened."

Mrs Burt said regardless of what Guildford had got up to she and her husband "love him to bits".

"We have had a few drinks with Zac and he has been to many family gatherings and parties and I can honestly say I have never seen him drunk."

She said her daughter had told her that in the aftermath of the bar attacks Guildford had been taken to hospital but was now out and back at his hotel.

"He is not a very happy chap at all."

Mrs Burt said she was "not sticking up for him just for the sake of it" and wanted - as do all his family - the talented young rugby player to just take control of his life and get back to doing his best on and off the field.

She said it was likely Guildford had never got over the sudden death of his father Robert about three years ago.

"He has had a hell of a three years and really he has been the only one who has never grieved."

She said some people might doubt that but the family believed that to be true.

Guildford, 22, shocked people in Trader Jack's bar late on Friday night when he staggered into the room naked and bleeding from cuts on his forehead, chest and knees.

He was said to be very drunk and punched a man who asked him if he needed help.

Guildford was reported to have staggered to the bar and hit an unsuspecting Nick Cox, 60, across the back of his head.

The All Black is in Rarotonga for the wedding of a rugby mate, Jarred McCarthy.

The wedding is due to take place todayand fellow All Black Israel Dagg will also be a guest.

Two months ago Guildford appeared on television and admitted to a drink problem.

He made a promise to All Black coaches that he would take steps to rectify the problem.

After the incident he was hustled out of the premises by a group of friends as the mostly Kiwi crowd shouted at him, telling him he was an embarrassment to the All Black jersey.