Tales from Tour: BARLA full-back Ian Jackson has experience on his side

Ian Jackson is one of the older heads in the BARLA squad but the Featherstone Lions full-back is undertaking his first rugby tour.

“I got selected through playing for Yorkshire this past couple of years,” The 30-year-old said.

“Last season was good for the county when we won the championship because the year before, we lost it on point difference to Lancashire.”

Jackson has been a TV regular as well as a Lions stalwart this term, featuring three times as Featherstone Lions made appearances via Rugby AM’s National Conference coverage and also the on the BBC during their Cup run.

Sadly for him and team-mate Dean Gamble, it wasn’t to be a winning end to the season as Featherstone Lions were defeated in the semi-final at Leigh Miners Rangers, who ultimately went on to win promotion.

“We beat the majority of the top teams, and then lost to those at the bottom,” Jackson added.

It’s clear to see strong bonds being developed between everyone which Jackson thought was key to getting the win against West Fiji.

“What an experience that was!” Jackson explained.

“It was the hottest it’s been yet and they were really big and physical!

“We’ve really come together as a team though and that got us through.”