Lenihan unimpressed by McRae apology

Irish legend Donal Lenihan has questioned the timing of former Australia international Duncan McRae’s recent apology to Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara.

McRae, now playing for Munster’s Heineken Cup rivals Gloucester, was sent off for repeatedly punching O’Gara during the Lions’ clash with New South Wales Waratahs in 2001.

McRae, who was banned for seven weeks for his actions, admitted in December he was “still embarrassed” about the incident and planned to apologise when the two meet this month.

Lenihan, who was Lions manager during the 2001 tour, has however not been impressed by this statement of regret over what he considers “the most vicious assault that we have seen in a game of rugby since it went professional”.

Lenihan told the Irish Examiner: “Two weeks ago we heard the first uttering on the incident from McRae when he publicly pronounced his embarrassment at his actions and his intention to apologise to O’Gara when they meet.

“Some two-and-a-half years down the track, it suddenly dawns on McRae that now may be an opportune time to apologise to the Munster number 10. Could it be that a visit to Thomond Park had the effect of awakening Mr McRae’s conscience?

“On Saturday next, McRae will have the opportunity of coming face to face with Ronan O’Gara once again in a famous red jersey. I have no doubt he will seize the opportunity to close the chapter on that horrible incident in Sydney.

“It is only right that he should do so. However, he should not attempt to fool the general public with false declarations about his inability to do so in the past.”

Gloucester first take on Munster at Kingsholm this Saturday before playing their Pool Five return fixture at Thomond Park seven days later.