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To really get to the heart of the struggles of others, it helps to have your path traveled. The difference in Zac Guildford’s case: his mistakes played out in public view.
The former All Black winger sits relaxed in the office of his new workplace: clean, fit and down to earth. Now 31 and embarking on a career as a mental health support worker, he exudes a humility that some would say was lacking in his youth.
“I have a lot of the life experience that our tangata has. I have also had problems in the past, so having that experience to convey to you is one of my strengths, “he said in an interview.
“I just keep it real with them. They seem to appreciate that I am a real person, not someone who reads a book. “
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The winger burst onto the scene in 2007 with the Hawke’s Bay provincial team, then was captured by the Hurricanes and in his second season was selected for the All Blacks in 2009.
But personal difficulties, including the death of his father, meant that he fought off the field. In 2011, he was cited after a drunken assault on Rarotonga.
He then switched from club to club and closed a contract in France early in the 2019 season. He had plans to play in Russia again earlier this year, but Covid got in the way.
He is now back in his home province of Wairarapa, and is as a mental health support worker. It is said in the community that he is already showing a gift for being able to connect with people and is beginning to change lives.
“I have a passion for helping people and that is what I can do here, so I love it,” he said.
Guildford accepts that his own sometimes tumultuous journey helps him identify with those with whom he works.
depression / YouTube
Sir John Kirwan reveals how the unexpected kindness of a complete stranger helped bring him perspective. Video published in 2015.
When he derailed during his playing days, mental health awareness pioneers like Mike King were there to help him get through.
“Mental health doesn’t just end. You are not automatically repaired. When you deal with mental health and addiction like me, it is always there. It’s just about having the tools to wear in your tool belt to keep it at bay and fight it. “
The fact that it is a household name with a colorful past is only a small part of the picture.
“The good thing is that a lot of the people I deal with didn’t realize that I was an All Black until later on the track, so first they know me for who I am and I know them. for who they are. “
PIERS FULLER / Things
Zac Guildford with Wairarapa Rūnanga Health Manager Ronald Karaitiana. The center supports its staff while supporting the public.
A Masterton GP who declined to be named for patient privacy reasons said she knew people who had already been inspired to change their lives through Guildford’s work with them.
“It’s a really great plan that provides mana for role models who are prepared to help others who are having a difficult time.”
Lawrence Smith / Stuff
Some of the people Guildford works with don’t know that he was an All Black.
Guildford said being an All Black and a public figure made his struggles and recovery that much more difficult.
“It has taken its toll on me over the years in terms of having errors published in the media, and people scrutinize them because normal people don’t have to deal with it,” he said. “I’m only human and I have feelings.”
Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union / Stuff
Outside Sir Brian Lochore’s booth in Wairarapa Bush colors as he returned to his roots for a season in provincial rugby in 2016.
Guildford (Ngati Kahungunu) has family roots that run deep in this part of the North Island, although he moved from Wairarapa when he was ten years old.
“This has always been my home. As soon as I drive through Eketāhuna past Mount Bruce, I have that feeling of home, ”he said. “This is always where I feel rooted.”
He lives with his grandparents south of Featherston.
“It’s good to be able to help them, they are getting a bit old now. Help out on the farm and also invest in me. It is a healing process not only for them, but also for me. It’s definitely rewarding. “
Guildford, who trains every day and says this is a big part of keeping him in good mental space, hopes to play more rugby, but would be happy to start on base at his local club Greytown RFU.
PIERS FULLER / Things
Guildford is still waiting for a fairy tale ending.
Right now, you feel focused and excited about the future. “I am happy with what I am now and happy to give back to other people, but it would be silly to say that I am happy with everything now, I want to continue building.”
Take a look
Zac Guildford Timeline
2007 Played for NZ in the U19 World Cup
2008-09 Played 18 games with Hurricanes
2009-2012 Earned 11 All Blacks caps
2010-14 Played 61 games with Crusaders
Nov 2011 Cited for a drunken incident in Rarotonga
Guildford has played for the Māori All Blacks and NZ Sevens, as well as for Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Warratahs, Wairarapa Bush, and French clubs Clermont and Nevers.
