Rugby: Guildford links with Waratahs

AAP

16 Sep, 2015 02:15 AM3 mins to read

Hawke's Bay outside back Zac Guildford has signed with the Waratahs. Photo / Getty

He comes with "bad-boy baggage" but the NSW Waratahs have finally done a deal with former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford over a month after he was linked with the Super Rugby club.

The Waratahs announced on Wednesday that the 26-year-old will make the move to Sydney at the end of October on a 10-month contract.

Guildford will provide depth in the outside backs for the 2013 champions, who have lost Adam Ashley-Cooper, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Peter Betham to European clubs.

Guildford was close to agreeing to a move to the Waratahs at the end of July, but turned his back on the deal to stay close to family and friends in New Zealand. However, he is now at ease with the Waratahs, where he'll be coached by Daryl Gibson, who was an assistant coach at the Crusaders during Guildford's time with the club between 2010-14.

Part of the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup-winning squad, Guildford has a history of alcohol-related issues, which included staggering into a Cook Islands bar naked before allegedly assaulting two patrons.

His contract with the NZRU and Crusaders was terminated last year due to poor fitness and he moved to France. However, he only lasted one season of a two-year deal with Clermont Auvergne to return home due to personal reasons.

Gibson acknowledged Guildford would find it tough to earn the respect of his new teammates.

"He's probably been carrying that bad-boy baggage around with him for the past few years, and from my observations he has moved past it and grown up a bit," said Gibson. "His challenge will be to demonstrate he can make good choices and prove that.

"I've spoken with Zac extensively, and he is prepared to earn the respect of his teammates through his actions, and to uphold the values of our club. Of course his signature comes with risks for both parties, but we strongly believe in his ability and will support him with his efforts to continue his rugby career.

"He's highly motivated and aspirational about his career - so our challenge will be to get the best out of him."

Guildford is likely to compete with youngster Andrew Kellaway and Matt Carraro for a spot on the wing with Wallabies squad member Rob Horne set to return to outside centre or stay on one flank.

Guildford played 11 Tests for the All Blacks. He started his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes in 2008, playing 18 matches before moving to the Crusaders.