It will take some getting used to not seeing former All Black Zac Guildford wearing the Magpies number 11 jersey this season.
Yes, Guildford is playing his last club match tomorrow before heading off to France on a three-year contract with the Clermont Auvergne club. No matter who replaces himin the Magpies, it will still seem strange.
Given how much rugby and off-field drama Guildford has packed into his career, it is hard to believe he is only 25. It has been a tough transition from teenager to man for Guildford. He had to deal with the trauma of losing his father when he was a teen and then he had to cope with the pressure of becoming an All Black at a young age. It is well documented that he lost his way and had some unsavoury, alcohol-related incidents.
His rugby career, and possibly his future, hung in the balance, but it is a measure of the man that he fought his demons and now seems to have sorted himself out.
He came into our offices a while back and I was impressed with the way he handled himself. His visit created quite a stir amongst the female members of staff, but he just took it all in his stride.
The impression I got was that he had done quite a bit of growing up.
It is sad that he is not still in the All Black mix, because it was always a thrill to see him tearing down the sideline on his way to yet another try.
But these things happen in life and, for whatever reason, the Crusaders have decided they do not require him anymore.
