Rugby: Cup winner's father dies watching game

Winger Zac Guildford scores in the win. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's winning junior rugby World Cup campaign has ended on a tragic note with winger Zac Guildford's father Robert dying in Tokyo.

It is understood that Robert Guildford suffered a heart attack in the stands as his son's team beat England 44-28 in Sunday's under-20 final.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him at the ground and at a Tokyo hospital, he died.

Robert Guildford was a former Wairarapa Bush player who played six games for the province between 1992 and 1996.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the union wanted to express its condolences to Zac Guildford and his family.

Tew said the thoughts of all those involved in New Zealand rugby, and especially those in the regions where both Robert and Zac Guildford played their rugby, would be with the family.

"Our thoughts are with Zac, his mother Debbie and Zac's brother who have had to deal with this tragedy at what should have been the best of times, enjoying their son's achievements with a team that has excelled on the world stage," he said.

"It is an incredibly distressing event for all involved but especially for the Guildford family and their extended family and friends."

He said the NZRU was working with the family and the New Zealand embassy in Tokyo to help get the family back to New Zealand.

Zac Guildford, 20, has played Super 14 rugby for the Hurricanes, and for Hawke's Bay in the Air New Zealand Cup.

He is also a former New Zealand secondary schools' representative.

- NZPA