Paddy Jackson set to play in Ireland for first time since May 2017
London Irish out-half Paddy Jackson is poised to play his first match in Ireland this Friday since last featuring for Ulster in a May 2017 PRO12 win over Leinster in Belfast. The now 29-year-old was stood down by the IRFU shortly playing for Ireland in Japan that summer and his contract was eventually terminated in April 2018 despite being found not guilty of raping a young student at a house party in Belfast.
Jackson has since gone on to rebuild his rugby career overseas, initially spending a year in France with Perpignan before switching to London Irish and becoming a vital part of their set-up under Declan Kidney, the coach who gave him his Test debut in 2013.
It was announced earlier this week that Jackson would continue in the leadership role at the English club which he was first given last November, joining Nick Phipps in assisting skipper Matt Rogerson for the coming 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership. That decision ignited a social media storm with #Ibelieveher and ‘Paddy Jackson’ trending on Twitter in Ireland.
It’s a debate now set to continue into the weekend as Jackson will be the starting No10 after getting included in the 37-man travelling squad London Irish brought to Galway for Friday night’s pre-season match versus Connacht – the first outing for Jackson in Ireland in 52 months.
He had previously missed out on trips back to his native country, giving a Challenge Cup match at Connacht with Perpignan and a pre-season game at Munster with London Irish a miss, but he is now finally ready to bridge a long gap as he has been chosen as a starter from the 17 backs that Kidney has with him at the Sportsground.
#Ibelieveher and ‘Paddy Jackson’ have been trending on Twitter in Ireland since the latest London Irish leadership group announcement was made this weekhttps://t.co/rFUK6Hoya4
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 9, 2021
Jackson’s inclusion wasn’t touched on by London Irish in their pre-game squad release, Kidney saying: “The trip to Connacht will be a good chance for the players to get some game time under their belts ahead of the new season. The players and staff have worked hard this pre-season, and this is an opportunity to put it into practice before the trip to Worcester.”
LONDON IRISH (vs Connacht, Friday)
15. Parton; 14. Hassell-Collins, 13, Rona, 12. Hepetema, 11. Rowe; 10. Jackson, 9. Phipps; 1. Goodrick-Clarke, 2. Creevy, 3. van der Merwe, 4. Simmons, 5. Coleman, 6. Rogerson (capt), 7. Donnell, 8. Tuisue.
Jackson hasn't been capped by Ireland since his high profile court case in 2018 #SixNations #PremRugbyhttps://t.co/weVTjyrJoJ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 3, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
The pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
5 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
5 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
5 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
5 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
5 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to comments