NOTTINGHAM Rugby legend David Jackson has been forced to retire on medical advice.
Jackson, a stalwart of the club for more than 13 years, suffered a head injury in training during pre-season which has kept him on the sidelines ever since.
And following further tests last week, the 31-year-old was advised to hang up his boots.
‘Jacko’, as he is affectionately known, was six when he joined Nottingham Rugby as a junior and has been with the club ever since.
“I never thought that the pre-season game against London Irish would be the last time I pulled on the Green and White of Nottingham – I am gutted,” he said.
“I am retiring from a sport that I love and a club that I have given my all to for the last 13 years. It has been difficult to come to terms with at the age of 31.”
Jackson worked his way up through age group rugby, the colts and the second team, before linking up with the first team squad at the age of 18.
Originally a fly-half, Jackson was moved into the back three on occasion due to his speed and his uncanny knack of beating defenders.
He rotated between fly-half, full back and wing for a period before former director of rugby Glenn Delaney gave him a run on the wing to allow him to cement his position.
In total, Jackson made 316 appearances, scoring 102 tries and 971 points for Nottingham, and is one of the few players who made the transition from the semi-professional to the professional era with the club.
Jackson holds the record for the most league appearances for the club and the most league tries.
“During the last few months there has been a lot of uncertainty,” said Jackson.
“I have tried on numerous occasions to get back into training but it just hasn’t been possible, and I knew deep down that something wasn’t quite right this time around.
“Nottingham Rugby Club has been a huge part of my life for the last 13 years and I have been fortunate to be part of an amazing journey, from the depths of National League Two to the heights of the Championship and a play-off semi final – I have loved every minute.
“From Ireland Avenue to Meadow Lane we have been supported by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans in the country and I will be forever grateful for their support – particularly in the last few months.
“It is hard knowing that I won’t ever run out in the Green and White at Meadow Lane again, but I have been one of the privileged few – I will never forget that feeling.”
Throughout his time at Nottingham, Jackson has been a firm fan’s favourite, both on the pitch and off it.
He was well known for his infamous mullet hair-do which he sported for two years.
He eventually had it cut off in aid of charity.
He was also a keen supporter of Movember, with memorable facial do’s including ‘The Cat’s Tail’, ‘The Batman’ and this year’s ‘Question Mark’.
He also pioneered the creation of ‘The Fairytale of Nottingham Rugby’ Christmas song, based on the Pogues’ Fairytale of New York.
Nottingham head coach Martin Haag, who has worked with Jackson for 18 months, said: “Jacko’s retirement is a big loss to the squad and it’s always very disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, particularly prematurely.
“He has been a tremendous ambassador for the club, on and off the field, and prides himself on the very highest of standards.
“He is able to communicate these standards to the rest of the squad and he has always been there to give advice to the younger players, who hold him in very high regard.
“I really can’t speak highly enough of him. I imagine that he has green and white veins as he’s Nottingham through and through.
“He’ll be sorely missed and I just hope that his future pans out the way he would like it to. Nobody deserves it more.”
Nottingham Rugby chief executive Simon Beatham coached Jackson for eight years and he said: “David Jackson has been a member of this club since he was six years old and I remember when I was coaching him, he was a 17 year old lad running rings around the first team.
“All through our recent history, in all the key games and the key moments, the one person you could absolutely rely on was David Jackson.
“He’s had a fantastic career as a professional.
“He’s shown and demonstrated standards that everyone tries to follow and meet.
“I’m desperately disappointed for him but he’s had a fantastic career here and to only be at one club is an amazing feat in this professional age.”
Article source: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Chris-Booy-Andy-Robinson-explain-Bristol-Rugby-s/story-20331612-detail/story.html
Nottingham Rugby legend David Jackson forced to retire
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