Fans ‘Stand Up’ for Jackson as he debuts for Perpignan
Paddy Jackson was given a warm welcome at Stade Aime Giral last night when he made his debut for Perpignan in a pre-season clash with Toulouse.
Jackson, who had not played since June last year, showed few signs of rustiness and produced a fine display for his new club.
He played the opening half before Perpignan, as expected, changed their entire team for the second period.
Jackson is regarded as the star signing of the summer by the Catalan club, who have been hastily trying to assemble a quality side after being promoted to the Top 14 in May, having been relegated for the first time in their history four years ago.
His star billing was evident before the match when, unlike all the other players, he was introduced when the teams were announced on the public address as ‘Monsieur’ Paddy Jackson.
Jackson, who had not played since winning his 25th cap for Ireland in Japan in June 2017, looked sharp throughout and landed all three kicks at the posts.
Jackson and former Ulster teammate Stuart Olding were acquitted in March of raping a woman in June 2016.
Olding has since joined Brive in the second tier in France and is due to feature against Connacht tomorrow
Jackson’s father Peter was one of several family and friends to attend last night’s match in Perpignan.
At one stage in the first half, after a particularly good kick to the corner, a group of fans with Northern Ireland accents could be heard singing ‘Stand Up for the Ulsterman’, the traditional Ravenhill rugby song.
