The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Jackson feels right at home on return to Scotstoun
Elder statesman believes facilities have been major factor in upturn
Ruaridh Jackson is happy to see just one change in Scotstoun since he left, but he’s changed as a player on his return to the Glasgow Warriors after three years’ absence.
The only thing that’s really changed, apart from a few fresh faces, is the playing surface for his home return to the Guinness PRO14.
“Yes, my last year here we had a couple of games rained off and it could get pretty soggy out there,” he recalled.
“It wasn’t ideal but we played pretty well on it. My last game here was the Pro12 semi-final against Munster, so that was a pretty memorable night.
“No matter what the weather now we have a good and fast track. But it’s true of all the facilities, when I started out in season 2007-08 we were dotted about all over the place for training.
“To have everything here at Scotstoun now is great. I think everyone’s seen the growth of the squad and the team, and the facilities have been a big part in that.”
Jackson has changed since his time with Wasps and Harlequins, and he has found his role, primarily at least, on his return to the Warriors on a one-year deal will be as cover for the currently injured Stuart Hogg at full-back.
“I’ve done some reps at 10 as well but at the minute it’s more dominant towards the full-back side,” he said. “In games, Dave (Rennie) likes that ability to have a two-sided attack so defences have to keep guessing, so I’ll be at first receiver sometimes and it’s good to get the ball in hand more.”
In the PRO14 opener against Connacht he was called forward from full-back when Adam Hastings had to go off to his more customary position at 10, original starter Peter Horne having moved to 12 when Sam Johnson was concussed, but that flexibility is something Warriors can use to their advantage.
“I was quite enjoying not having to make a tackle in those conditions although I was just trying to keep warm, which is a bit strange for September,” he said. “But we have a few guys who can play different positions and switching around didn’t really put us out of synch for the last 15 minutes.
“The physicality of games now, it means there’s going to be injuries and switching around, you can’t always plan for that. It’s something you don’t necessarily train for, but there are occasions when you have to jump in at centre or the wing.”
As an elder statesman of the squad “I’m embracing that” – Jackson was most impressed at the character of the young team in the brutal wind and rain in Galway.
“To be 9-3 down at half-time and turn that around in those sort of conditions in what is always a tough place to play, that shows real character,” he continued.
Ospreys are the visitors to Scotstoun tomorrow and Jackson knows how strong the consistently pre-eminent Welsh region of recent years can be.
“They’re always a tough team. I see James Hook is back and it’ll be interesting to see if he stays at 10 or Sam Davies plays there,” he said.