Name Paddy Jackson Current team Ulster Rugby | Weight 84 kg Height 1.78 m | |
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Profiles | ||
Education Methodist College Belfast | ||
David Patrick Lindsay James "Paddy" Jackson (born 5 January 1992 in Belfast) is an international rugby union player for Ireland. He primarily plays at fly-half for Irish provincial side Ulster in the Pro12 and has committed to the province at least until July 2019 as reported by The Irish Times and other media on 1 and 2 March 2017.
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Jackson has captained the Ireland under-20 team. He made his competitive debut for Ulster Rugby against Llanelli Scarlets on 18 February 2011 when Ulster rugby got an 18-16 win. and first came to broader prominence when selected to start in Ulster's Heineken Cup semi-final against Edinburgh on 28 April 2012. Jackson credits his early years in Birmingham playing for Veseyans Rugby club as his motivation to play rugby over football. Outside of rugby his pastimes include 'pumping' the tuba which he played regularly in his school band. Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were arrested in June 2016 with two other men, and questioned about allegations of a sexual assault in south Belfast. In July 2017 both men were told by the PSNI that they will face charges in relation to the alleged sexual assault. They are due in court in August 2017
Ulster
Jackson made a surprise debut as the starting outhalf against Scarlets in February 2011. The young playmaker had represented Ireland at a number of levels and was included in the Ireland Junior World Championship squad in 2011.
Jackson usually plays at fly-half but can also play at inside centre. Jackson played arguably his best game against Connacht Rugby in 2012 when he scored a try, a conversion and three penalties. He earned his place then in the starting lineups including the defeat to Leinster Rugby and then the Heineken Cup 22-19 win over Edinburgh Rugby. Jackson has also taken part in the Ireland under 20 team. Jackson also scored a try against Aironi in a 46-20 win in the Heineken Cup group stage.
Ireland
Jackson made his senior debut for Ireland on 24 February 2013, starting against Scotland in the 2013 Six Nations Championship, On 11 February 2017 he kicked 18 points in the six nations against Italy.
Personal life
On the 25th July 2017 Jackson was one of four men the PPS name that are to be prosecuted for offences relating to allegations of rape The Public Prosecution Service said: "Following a careful review of all of the available evidence, in accordance with our Code for Prosecutors, it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute four individuals."