Ruck ‘ n’ roll for Jack’s cup thrill
Moments don’t come bigger than this – leading out your team in a world cup.
Jack Sharman was watched by hundreds of millions of people across the globe as he emerged on to the pitch in Japan during the Rugby World Cup.
The 12- year- old nervously grabbed the hand of Scotland captain Stuart McInally as he led the team onto the pitch in Yokohama.
And the cheers were no bigger than in Troon by Jack’s Marr Rugby Club pals.
Jack was chosen to jet out to Japan in a UK competition run by sponsors Land Rover.
He emerged first up the stairs with hooker Stuart and confidently strided out into the middle of the pitch, past the trophy, for the national anthems.
The selection process took part during Land Rover’s Rugby Tour, a grassroots tournament between six affiliate community clubs.
Jack submitted a video explaining why he should make the 5800- mile trip from Troon.
He said: “It was amazing and I couldn’t believe it when I won.
“I was a bit nervous, but very excited to meet the players.
“I am a huge Glasgow Warriors and Scotland fan.”
Rugby ace Huw Jones, who sadly was not selected, said: “It was great to be part of the Land Rover Rugby Tour and play a part in making Jack’s dream of going to Japan come true.
“Rugby is a sport built on its values and they are just as important as a player’s ability on the field.
“All players personified those values, so it made for a really tough selection process, but we were really impressed by Jack.”
Young Jack was emminently more impressive than the result, a dreadful 27- 3 defeat to the Irish.