McRae ‘embarrassed’ by O’Gara incident

DUNCAN McRae says he remains humbled and embarrassed by the 2001 incident with Ronan O’Gara in Sydney and admits it has cast a shadow on his career.

McRae was suspended for six weeks after a vicious attack on O'Gara during the Lions' clash with the NSW Waratahs in Sydney in 2001.

The Gloucester stand-off says he is ready for the reaction of the home fans when he visits Thomond Park on Saturday week.

The 29-year-old realises that he will most probably be abused by the home faithful when he finally sets foot in the home of Munster rugby.

"I'm humbled and embarrassed by the whole incident," he said.

"With me it's been a scandal. I fully understand that what I did was wrong. I fully accept responsibility for what I've done and I've apologised for it a lot of times," he told International Rugby News Magazine.

"I understand I'll get booed and abused and stuff and that's fine. The fans pay their money to go to the game and they can do whatever they want to do. It's not hatred it's probably disgust at what I did,' he added. "I just have to put my head down and do the best that I can to help Gloucester beat Munster."