PADDY JACKSON

HE likes to draw pictures of superheroes. His rap videos have attracted millions of views. He filmed himself making prank calls to coaches and uploaded it to YouTube. Nobody who played rugby for Ireland ever understood pop culture as much as Paddy Jackson, but his fondness of the limelight got him in trouble even before he was accused of rape. A fan of prank calls and miming to rap videos, Mr Jackson discovered he had crossed a line when he dressed up as a ‘slave’ four years ago. Mr Jackson was also wearing what appeared to be a chain around his neck, with his hands also tied. Ulster Rugby apologised ‘unreservedly for any offence’ caused, adding that the image had been taken from an ‘Olympic-themed fancy dress party’ which was held two years before it was posted. The image was removed from social media, but not before Mr Jackson received a wave of criticism for the ‘extremely dangerous’ message sent out.

Not all of his social media posts caused such a backlash. With more than 40,000 followers on Twitter and a further 57,000 people who follow his posts on Instagram, he had developed a wide following.

On Instagram, a photo of him as a child, with a giant curly red-headed Afro, was a particular favourite. His lip-synching cover of JCB Song by Nizlopi was another popular video for fans, as was Ulster player, Andrew Trimble’s prank call to Mr Jackson’s father, Peter.

In the video, Mr Jackson sits beside Trimble, trying hard to keep in the laughter.

Paddy Jackson had been immersed in rugby from the

A fan of prank calls and rap