The New Zealand Rugby Union's decision yesterday to reinstate the All Blacks wing subject to secret conditions after a pre-season incident when he punched a man at a party leaves the ball in the Crusaders' court for when he makes his return.
Guildford would have a medical so they could see where he was at for fitness and conditioning, said coach Todd Blackadder.
When they knew where he was and the state of his fitness, a decision could be made on when he would be back.
Asked if he could return against the Kings, Blackadder said "yes, that could be a possibility - and no, it might not be".
If he misses that match Guildford, who played for his club team Napier Tech last week, should be with the Crusaders for their overseas tour where they meet the Stormers, Sharks, and Force.
It was "fantastic" news that he was back, said Blackadder.
He said Guildford did not have to earn the trust of the team again. The players were very forgiving, "and it's going to be a great test for us, because we talk about being a Crusader family which we really are, and teammates, and we pride ourselves on that".
It gave them a second chance to get that part right, "to make sure we can be there to help support him, because he hasn't just finished now - it's going to be an ongoing process probably for the rest of his life".
Blackadder pointed out Super Rugby players had had alcohol issues before.
"We have had guys who have come in and actually talked about their experiences and the fact that 'Guys, you are going to have to be here and support me, I can't drink in the team environment', and the guys have really rallied around."
The Crusaders "don't abandon our own", he said.
Canterbury chief executive Hamish Riach said the union was committed to doing everything it could for Guildford, "and that will probably be more than we did in the past".
Guildford will return to Christchurch today to stay with his friend Stu Bailey. Bailey said he was "over the moon" about the decision to reinstate him and the support structures he would now have. "It's what I felt needed to happen. I'm stoked to have him back. He knows he's got a long road ahead and we are all aware of that."
Racing trainer Paul Kerr, the father of Ryan Kerr who Guildford punched in January, did not want to comment.
- By Nick Tolerton of the Christchurch Star
