
The sport of rugby has always been associated with the heartiest kind of post-game “celebrations.” And the 20-nation Rugby World Cup that’s currently unfolding in New Zealand seems to be true to form. Zac Guildford, a player for the All Blacks—New Zealand’s historically all-conquering national rugby team, who are favorites for the 2011 trophy—was forced to apologize in front of the world’s media yesterday for “excessive drinking” at his team’s hotel. The 22-year-old winger got tanked in the aftermath of a disappointing defeat to arch-rivals Australia last month—following his involvement in several other alcohol-related incidents. “It’s pretty obvious what’s moderate and what’s excessive,” said All Blacks manager Darren Shand. “He’s let himself down, he’s let his team-mates down. Zac’s now got a self improvement program he has to work on.” Guildford has escaped a playing ban—but one England international could be in far worse trouble. Outside center Mike Tindall, 32, is the newly-wed husband of Zara Phillips, 30—a former world champion equestrian who just happens to be a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, which makes her 13th in line to the throne. CCTV footage of a well-refreshed Tindall kissing and cuddling an unnamed blonde was released onto the internet after a boozed-up team night out in a New Zealand bar last week—and his wife is now flying down from the UK to meet him. The fact that his behavior took place during an alleged drunken dwarf-tossing competition—in which the England team was later forced to deny involvement—hardly helps. “The Queen is Gonna Kick Ur Ass,” read one banner at England’s game on Monday.
