Former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford believes the New Zealand Rugby Union isn’t doing enough to help Pacific Island rugby.

On holiday in Samoa during the Super Rugby break, Guildford told the Samoan Observer it was sad New Zealand didn’t schedule Test matches against Pacific nations like Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.

“Rugby is a business now, so it’s becoming all about the money,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the Pacific Islands don’t have that money so they’re being overlooked by the New Zealand Rugby Union. Rugby is a business now and everyone is just trying to make money.”

NZRU general manager for professional rugby Neil Sorensen said the organisation had no comment to make.

“We see no point in debating the issue given our position on this, and the factors influencing international fixtures, is well known.”

Guildford said Samoan rugby had improved tremendously over the years, but it could have been even better if regular matches against the All Blacks had been scheduled.

It was unfortunate a three-match series against France had halted the Super Rugby competition at a crucial time, he said.

“It’s a cash ploy so New Zealand rugby can make money.

“It doesn’t do much for the Super 15, it’s disruptive because half our players get taken out, especially out of the Crusaders. You’ve seen the rugby nowadays, it’s more about money and less about the actual competition.”

The NZRU has supported Guildford in recent years in helping him come to terms with alcohol-related issues.

The 11-Test All Black winger vowed to give up alcohol after a night out in Rarotonga in November 2011. He allegedly harassed a female jogger, shed his clothes and attacked two men with blood streaming from his head.

In January this year, he withdrew from the Crusaders after being involved in another alcohol-related incident.

He returned to professional rugby in March after admitting he was an alcoholic and accepting he has challenges that will stay with him for life.