Lockdown has cost Jackson a fairytale finish
Retirement call tinged with regret
RUARIDH Jackson last night announced his retirement from rugby after admitting the coronavirus lockdown had scuppered his dreams of leaving Glasgow Warriors with some silverware.
With no end in sight to the Pro14 season, the 32-year-old former Scotland international has chosen to stand down when his second spell at Scotstoun ends later this month.
Jackson, who won 33 caps during a career which included spells with Wasps and Harlequins, said: ‘It is not the fairytale ending I dreamt about, but I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of my 14 years (in the game).
‘I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed of, but it is now time to embrace a new challenge.
‘I have been so fortunate to live out my childhood dream of playing not just professionally but for my country. It has been a journey that has allowed me to travel the world, make some incredible friends and, without doubt, has given me some of the happiest days of my life.
‘I have played at some amazing clubs, Wasps, Harlequins and, of course, two stints at Glasgow Warriors, which will always hold a special place in my heart.
‘The fans at all these clubs have been immense and will be one of the things I will miss most. It has been a hell of a ride.’
Jackson made his Scotland debut in the 49-3 defeat to New Zealand at Murrayfield in 2010, and that same year kicked the winning penalty against Samoa in his home city of Aberdeen.
He won his final cap in the 48-10 victory over Canada in Edmonton two years ago.
He made 163 appearances for Glasgow over two spells, played at both fly-half and full-back, scoring 499 points in the process.
Paying tribute to Jackson’s versatility, Warriors head coach Dave Rennie said: ‘Most of his footy had been played at ten, historically, but his impact at full-back for us over the past three seasons was impressive.
‘He led a group within the team dedicated to driving our counter-attack, turnover and exit policies, where his composure and innovation created chances to attack from deep, while his ability to kick well off either foot was a real strength.
‘Ruaridh is a top man whose contribution has been immense.’
Managing director Nathan Bombrys added: ‘Ruaridh is one of our all-time great Warriors and has had an outstanding career with the club.
‘In his two stints over his nine years with the Warriors, he has played in some of our biggest games, finals and semi-finals, and hangs up his boots with his name fifth in our all-time points scoring chart.
‘He has always been an exciting player who gives all he has to the club, and it was so impressive when he returned to the club in 2017 and had an outstanding season that saw him recognised as Player’s Player of the season.
‘Ruaridh has been such a tremendous servant to our club and we hope he will stay connected to the club in the years to come.
‘We wish Ruaridh and his wife Kirsten all the best for the next chapter in their lives.’
Jackson plans to concentrate on running the gin-making company, Garden Shed Drinks, which he founded with his former Scotland and Glasgow team-mate Ryan Grant.