Former Ireland ‘A’ skipper, Bernard (or Berch as his is widely known) first toured South Africa with Ireland in 1998. Although he had been ever present in Irish squads since then, he waited patiently behind Keith Wood and Shane Byrne before getting his first senior cap in June 2005. Bernard went on to play 9 times for Ireland during a professional playing career spanning twelve years.
Jackman won a European Shield medal with Sale Sharks, and played 73 times for Connacht before joining Leinster where his reputation as a bruiser saw him play his part in securing a first ever Heineken Cup title for his home province. Jackman played every game of the 2008 Six Nations for Ireland but repeated injuries saw him call time on a terrific career at the end of the 2010 season.
During his professional playing days, Bernard also coached with several local clubs and since retiring he has taken up the Director of Rugby role with North Dublin Club Clontarf where he has also gained considerable reputation as a highly respected coach.
Bernard Jackman writes: There was a bit of controversy in the media in the UK last week regarding comments made by Ulster and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble after the win over England.Because Irelands performance was so much better than we had seen over the previous two months and the victory was so comprehensive Journalists were looking for an obvious answer as to what caused this improvement.
Bernard Jackman writes: Tweets and tweeps have their place but guidelines need to be established to ensure their correct use.
