Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Friend says Guildford needs more support from NZRU

Updated at 9:55 am on 23 January 2013

A friend and flatmate of All Black Zac Guildford says the Rugby Union has not given the winger enough support in dealing with alcohol.

Guildford is awaiting misconduct proceedings instigated by the union after voluntarily standing down from the Crusaders because of a fracas at a Christchurch house after a drinking session.

Friend Stu Bailey says the altercation last weekend lasted about five seconds and since then the two parties have been in touch and an apology has been extended.

Mr Bailey says he has lived with Guildford for about a year, and although the Crusaders' management has offered support, the rugby union has made no effort to help him cope with alcohol.

He says the union should have imposed tougher steps and offered Guildford specialist help after he was suspended because of an alcohol-fuelled altercation at a bar in Rarotonga in 2011.

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