Zac Guildford signs on with Waikato

Waikato has handed an NPC contract to Zac Guildford, marking a return to first class rugby for the former All Blacks winger.

The 28-year-old has impressed at both club and Sevens level for the province and said it was a natural progression he was delighted to accept.

The winger, who has ensured some well-publicised off-field issues, hasn't played at this level since an abbreviated campaign with the Waratahs last year, and he hasn't given up hope of a return to Super Rugby.

The 11-Test international insists he's a new man since his return from Australia, now in a more settled headspace with his alcohol-related demons consigned to the past.

"I've been working pretty hard since I came back from across the Tasman last year on and off the field, I haven't been paid to play the game for a long time, I've just been doing it because I love the game.

"There's always challenges in life and those won't stop presenting themselves, but I think I've got better ways of dealing with them these days". 

Waikato head coach Sean Botherway says Guildford's has earned his call-up and they're excited to bring his talents on board.

"Zac has shown a strong desire to get back into professional rugby. This is another positive step toward that goal," he said.