Don't discount the chances of former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford turning out for the Hawke's Bay Magpies this season.
The four-time world champion and Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist who has played for the Magpies since 2007 said yesterday he expected to make a decision on his playing futurelater this month. He hasn't played any rugby this year since taking time out in January to deal with alcohol-related issues.
"Hawke's Bay has been good to me over the years and the Magpies are definitely an option. I'll have to see what the New Zealand union decides first," Guildford, 24, said.
Guildford declined to comment on reports he had attended the Ahuru Recovery Retreat near Ohakune but pointed out mentally he was in the best shape he has been for years.
"Physically I'm making good progress too. But I'm pretty bugged after my latest training session ... it's hot up here," Guildford said.
He has been staying at the Pukekohe home of his partner jockey Sam Spratt, and has been doing interval training on a regular basis.
Guildford said he hadn't given his Magpies teammate, All Black fullback Israel Dagg, any tips on what to do in his former Crusaders left-wing role against the Blues in tonight's Super Rugby clash between the side's at Eden Park.
"I think he would prefer to be at fullback," Guildford added.
