Tuesday 5 May 2015 14:59, UK
Clermont Auvergne have confirmed New Zealand winger Zac Guildford is leaving the club after just one season because of homesickness.
The 26-year-old left for France last summer as he looked to make a fresh start to a career that has been beset by problems relating to alcoholism.
Guildford previously took time off in 2013 to receive treatment after admitting it was a problem with alcohol that caused him to go into a rage and attack two men in a bar in the Cook Islands.
"Faced with personal problems, Zac could no longer stand the distance and expressed his desire to return to his family," read a statement from Clermont.
"Despite the help of the entire team and the fact that we have supported him throughout the year, it was not enough. We knew that we were taking a risk by signing Zac.
"Sportingly it was a success as he met our expectations by playing 20 games, unfortunately the weight of the distance and his fragility were too important barriers."
The club's sporting director Jean-Marc Lhermet added: "This is a big disappointment and we have many regrets concerning this situation.
"We will keep contact with Zac and can only hope that he will find in New Zealand all the stability and support necessary to help him find the right track to serenely continue his career and his life."
