Rugby: 'Last chance saloon' for me - Zac Guildford

Zac Guildford in action for Hawke's Bay. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Former All Black Zac Guildford wants to fight his way back to the top.

Drinking binges and bad behaviour regularly damaged the former All Black and those near him but he is now using boxing as a springboard for redemption.

"I got described as a human torpedo when I was drinking," he told Seven Sharp.

"This is the last chance saloon for me and if I stuff it up, it's game over."

There will be sighs from those who have heard this repeat story and approval from others who acknowledge the 26-year-old's struggles to beat his addiction. He accepts he is an alcoholic and still struggles with relapses, like one after Hawkes Bay's Ranfurly Shield loss.

Guildford was suspended and the future was looking grim for any Super Rugby recall in New Zealand before the Waratahs and boxing came calling. The All Blacks' RWC triumph re-directed his will to succeed.

He has a short deal with the Tahs and his former Crusaders coach Daryl Gibson and is training in the boxing ring to increase the restraint and discipline he needs in his life. He is also part of the Fight for Life card next month.

"I remember the first time I stepped in I was crapping myself. I was like 'what am I doing, rugby and boxing are two different games'," Guildford said.

He was picked for the All Blacks not long after his father Robert died from a heart attack in the stands as he watched his son star for NZ in the under-21 world championships in Japan.

Guildford's pride in his national selection was followed by the pressures of national expectation in the All Blacks and he shut himself away from the pressure as he accumulated 10 caps which straddled the 2011 RWC triumph.

"I remember before the World Cup I'd put the blanket up over my head, I didn't want to leave home, you know. People do look up to us when we are wearing the All Black jersey and they expect us to act in a professional way and when we don't the public come down pretty hard on us."

Guildford has been an unwilling headline act in a number of incidents, including a rampage in the Cook Islands four years ago and confessions he was powerless in the grip of alcohol.