Good Sport Zac - I Don't Stab People In The Back!

The booted-off athlete holds no grudges

- Ellen Mackenzie

Throughout his years playing brilliant rugby for the All Blacks, Zac Guildford’s name often dominated headlines off the field. From a naked incident in Rarotonga to his struggles with alcohol and mental health, it’s no wonder the sports star felt a little nervous stepping back into the spotlight on Celebrity Treasure Island.

But despite being the unlucky first castaway to be eliminated from the TVNZ 2 series last week, Zac says he has no regrets.

“I’ve had a few ups and downs on and off the field, so I guess putting myself back in the public eye was something I wasn’t very confident about,” he admits. “But I wanted to do it in a good light and show who I am away from rugby and the other stuff.”

While he’s still playing footy for his Ngati Porou East Coast team, the 30-year-old also works as a teacher aide helping students with special needs.

Easy-going Zac quickly became a fan favourite on Celebrity Treasure Island, while his Kahu teammates Sam Wallace and Eric Murray were branded the competitive bad boys of the series.