One of the key figures in Australia’s series victory over the 2001 Lions has finally spoken publicly about his drug-related ban from the sport.
Former ACT Brumbies lock Justin Harrison stole a late lineout from under the nose of Lions skipper Martin Johnson eight years ago in one of the most-crucial moments of an enthralling third Test.
But the now 35-year-old has more recently hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons after he became embroiled in the long-running drugs saga that hit Bath Rugby last season.
Harrison left Bath five months ago after failing to take a drug test at the request of the West Country club.
He later pleaded guilty to drugs charges relating to allegations that he had taken cocaine on a night out following Bath’s Guinness Premiership semi-final defeat to Leicester.
Harrison was subsequently banned for eight months and decided to return to Australia with his reputation in tatters.
But now, after months of silence on the subject, Harrison has finally spoken out about his hopes for redemption and a possible return to the game.
"I want to re-establish my reputation after a horrible mistake," Harrison told the Sydney Sunday Telegraph.
"I admitted I was in the wrong and only had myself to blame. I had to repair whatever damage I’d done to my family, people close to me and rugby, which has given me a fantastic career.
"It’d be wrong of me to sever all ties and I hope rugby doesn’t want to sever ties with me.
"I’ve been sentenced and punished. People have gone through a lot of pain and I’ll carry that for a long while."
