O'Driscoll burys the hatchet over Umaga row

British and Irish Lions rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll has finally put an end to his public row with New Zealand skipper Tana Umaga over the tackle that ended his tour.

O'Driscoll initially criticised Umaga for his role in the incident which dislocated the Irishman's shoulder in the opening minute of the first test.

O'Driscoll said yesterday that he did not hold a grudge against Umaga.

"I've had an apology of sorts from Tana and as far as I'm concerned the matter is cleared up," O'Driscoll said.

"I don't think off the pitch my relationship with Tana will change in any shape or form.

"I'll still go and have a drink with him after a game. I respect him hugely as a rugby player."

The Lions lodged an official complaint over the tackle but an independent match official reviewed the incident and cleared Umaga of any wrongdoing.

However, the Lions refused to let the matter rest, staging a series of news conferences criticising the All Blacks skipper. The issue dominated the buildup to the second test and upset the New Zealand camp, who accused the Lions of conducting a smear campaign against the All Blacks skipper.

"Certain aspects of it might have been dragged out during the week but that had nothing to do with me," O'Driscoll said.

"I've been the culprit of some bad tackles in my time too so you've just got to get on with it.

"The real disappointment for me was only getting the opportunity to play 45 seconds in the test. Win, lose or draw, that's what you go on Lions tours for."

- REUTERS