He was the man called Jackson who marked his international debut with a thriller of a last-minute penalty to lead Scotland to a dramatic victory at Pittodrie in 2010.
And that 19-16 win against Samoa was even more special because Ruaridh Jackson was an Aberdeen FC fan before becoming one of the brightest rugby stars of his generation.
The Glasgow Warriors player raised some eyebrows yesterday when he announced he was retiring from rugby at the age of just 32, but he has enjoyed plenty of successes throughout his career, including that nerve-shredding climax to proceedings in the Granite City a decade ago.
He recalled: “As an Aberdonian, that was pretty special. I supported the Dons as a kid, so going to the stadium to kick a ball – admittedly a different-shaped ball – and getting some points was incredible and will live long in the memories.”
The talented back made 163 appearances over two spells with the club, having launched his Glasgow Warriors career in 2006.
He returned to his homeland in 2017, following stints at English Premiership sides Wasps and Harlequins and became a key component of Dave Rennie’s squad.
Equally comfortable at fly-half and full-back, his consistent displays led to him being voted the club’s Players Player of the Season folowing his return to the Warriors.
His tally of 499 points makes him one of the sharpest shooters in club history, with the former Robert Gordon’s College pupil sitting fifth in Glasgow’s all-time points charts.
He gained 33 caps for his country, including an appearance at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. And he also represented Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, helping Scotland 7s to a sixth-place finish on Australia’s Gold Coast.
He told glasgowwarriors.org: “It has been one hell of a ride.
“From school and mini rugby through to Sean Lineen giving me the opportunity to sign my first pro contract, I want to thank all the other coaches, medical teams and back room staff that I have worked with throughout the years.
“I’ve been so fortunate to live out my childhood dream of playing rugby, not just professionally but for my country. It has allowed me to travel the world, make some incredible friends and given me some of the happiest days of my life.
“It is not the fairytale ending I may have dreamt about, but I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed and it is now time to embrace a new challenge.”
Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie said: “Ruaridh is a top man whose contribution to our club has been immense.
“While most of his footy had been played at 10 historically, his impact at fullback for us over the past three seasons was impressive.
“He led our Creck, a group dedicated to driving our counter-attack, turnover and exit policies, where his composure and innovation created opportunities to attack from deep, whilst his ability to kick well off either foot was a real strength.
“We wish Ruaridh, Kirsten – and their expected arrival – all the best for the next stage in their lives.”
Scotland legend, John Rutherford, was among those to pay tribute to the ample qualities which stamped Jackson out as a genuinely top-class performer.
He told the Press and Journal: “I was surprised to read that Ruaridh had made the decision to retire at 32. He always came across as a bright, intelligent young man and I’m sure that he will have given retirement a great deal of thought before coming to his decision. I always think it’s best to retire when you are still playing some good rugby and he was certainly contributing to the Warriors cause.
“When Ruaridh first arrived on the scene, I remember thinking this lad has talent. He had a good skill set for a stand-off and certainly the right temperament. He showed impressive bottle in his first cap when he kicked a last minute penalty to beat Samoa.
“Although I watched Ruaridh play some fine games for Glasgow and Scotland, my abiding memory was his brilliant performance against Bath in the Heineken Cup.
“The Rec can be an intimidating arena but it seemed to inspire the young Ruaridh in 2008 and he was at the top of his game.
“It was a pity that Ruaridh’s time with the Warriors coincided with firstly Finn Russell and then Adam Hastings coming through the ranks I always thought he was a natural number 10, but he turned himself into a brave and skilful full back and he was responsible for some great counter-attacking tries for his club.
“I really wish him every success in his retirement from the game.“
Warriors managing director, Nathan Bombrys, said: “Ruaridh is one of our all-time great Warriors and he has had an outstanding career with the club.
“He has always been an exciting player who gives everything he has and it was so impressive when he returned here in 2017 and had an outstanding season that saw him recognised as Player’s Player of the 2017-18 season.
“Ruaridh has been such a tremendous servant, on and off the field, and we hope he will stay connected to the club in years to come.”