Rugby: Guildford's contract terminated

The NZRU has confirmed that Crusader Zac Guildford's contract has been terminated. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand Rugby Union today confirmed that Crusader Zac Guildford's contract has been terminated.

General manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said following discussions with the Crusaders and Guildford, the national union has agreed to terminate his contract effective immediately.

Guildford was contracted to the end of this Super Rugby season but is now free to take up a new contract he has signed with Clermont Auvergne in France. Todd Blackadder has not selected him for any match this season.

"We're really disappointed that Zac has not be able to achieve his full potential in New Zealand. He is a good man, talented but troubled," Sorensen.

"Zac has struggled to continue to meet the commitments he made to himself to keep on top of his personal issues. Ultimately those issues are private to Zac but all parties agree that cutting ties now is the sensible decision.

"We hope that a change of environment, culture, new mates and challenges for this next stage of his young career will be the catalyst to springboard him back into the top form we know he can achieve both on and off the field.

"We hope he keeps the dream to pursue the black jersey alive, and returns one day to fulfil that," Sorensen said.