Guildford gets another chance

Zac Guildford has been named in the Waikato sevens side for this weekend's northern regional men's tournament in Cambridge. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Blacks and Magpies wing Zac Guildford is set for yet another rugby reinvention after being named in the Waikato sevens team for this weekend's northern regional tournament in Cambridge.

He's been coached by former All Black and sevens star Roger Randle, himself formerly of Hawke's Bay.

In earlier reports, Randle said Guildford brought much experience to the team. "The level that he's played the game at - it's helping our young guys and the other guys that have come from clubs," Randle said.

"He demands high standards and he's come in and been very humble by getting in and doing all the work."

Guildford, 27, has battled issues with alcohol in a career which featured 10 All Blacks tests between 2009 and 2012.

He has been named in an 18-strong Waikato squad to contest the regional tournament which also includes teams from Northland, Auckland, North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Bay of Plenty.

Guildford accumulated 79 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes and the Crusaders between 2008-14, also turning out for Hawke's Bay in the NPC between 2007-13.

He took up a two-year contract with French side Clermont Auvergne but left the Top 14 team in 2015, then signed on with the NSW Waratahs for the 2016 Super Rugby season. He played only seven games before leaving for "well-being reasons", going on to sign for NPC rugby with Tasman. He left the Makos in August, then turned out for Wairarapa Bush in the Heartland Championship.

Guildford was also part of the New Zealand Sevens team who won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.