Zac Guildford and his mates have been hailed as heroes after they chased down an alleged shoplifter in Napier yesterday.

The former All Black was with his Hawke's Bay Magpies teammates Chris Eaton and Ryan Tongia having a spot of lunch in the afternoon.

What happened next was told to TV ONE Breakfast reporter Sam Kelway this morning when he chatted to Eaton.

"Get him," Guildford called to Eaton, who spun around and saw the alleged thief bolt out of a clothing shop, laden with clothes.

Injured from the weekend's game, Eaton stayed behind while Guildford and Tongia chased the alleged offender down the street.

"Ryan gave chase, as did Guildford and they managed to catch the alleged offender 200 metres down the street," Kelway reported.

"Ryan grabbed the offender and walked him back to some security guards and the police took over."

Guildford was reportedly amazed by Tongia's pace after he outran security and police.