Impressive Role Reversal

On 10 November New Zealander Glen Jackson will jog out at Twickenham to referee England’s opening autumn Test versus Fiji. It will be Jackson’s first tier one international and represents one of sport’s more impressive role reversals. Less than two and a half years ago Jackson was wearing No10 for Saracens in a Premiership final against Leicester alongside Brad Barritt, Alex Goode and Mouritz Botha. “Almost everyone has said I’m bonkers,” says Jackson, who will also run touch when England face South Africa later this month. But Jackson receives grudging admiration from most players. “Having been a recent player, these guys respect you for having put yourself in that position.” Jackson made his rugby union debut for the Chiefs in the opening round of the 1999 Super 12 season.