Jackson lives the dream with Scots call
By Paul Third

Published: 21/01/2009

ABERDONIAN Ruaridh Jackson will realise a childhood dream when he joins the Scotland rugby squad for the first time next week.

The former Robert Gordon’s College and Aberdeen Grammar player is one of two uncapped players selected for the 33-man squad for next week’s training camp ahead of the six nations opener against champions Wales at Murrayfield on February 8.

The Glasgow Hawks stand off will join fellow debutant Geoff Cross on Monday for the three-day camp.

Jackson said: “As a kid this is the sort of thing I dreamed of. I don’t know if facing the grand slam champions is what I had in mind for my first involvement though.”

Another Aberdonian, scrum half Chris Cusiter, is also back in the squad following his recovery from a fractured thumb which forced him to miss the autumn Tests while former Aberdeen Wanderers forward Jason White is also in the squad.

Jackson’s selection, however, comes as a surprise given he is in his first year as a professional with Glasgow Warriors.

Jackson, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on February 12, four days after Scotland’s opening game, has been fast-tracked into the national set-up.

He has been aware the SRU has been monitoring his progress since his time in Aberdeen, but knows he must continue to improve if he is to become a regular fixture in Frank Hadden’s squad.

He said: “I’ve played at youth level and with the Scotland A squad so I have been aware the coaching staff at Scottish Rugby have been keeping tabs on me.

“I was told that was the case from my last year at school in Aberdeen and it has been evident in last two years they have wanted to get me involved as soon as possible.

“I’m not getting carried away though. My career is still in its infancy and I have a lot to learn

This article was posted on 21-Jan-2009, 12:03 by Hugh Barrow.