Lure of Bay tugs Jackson

Star first-five eighths Glen Jackson hasn't discarded the possibility of pulling a Bay of Plenty jersey on again this year, but the likelihood of that happening appears to be diminishing by the week.

Jackson has been back in New Zealand with his wife Fiona for 10 days and tomorrow flies back to London, where he plays for Saracens.

The star of Bay of Plenty's vintage NPC season last year signed a one-year contract with the Watford-based club, leaving in October when the Steamers were knocked out of the semifinals.

But his start with Saracens was anything but encouraging and six weeks ago 29-year-old Jackson was ready to come home.

"The first six weeks were pretty tough work, basically because I'd come off a pretty good NPC season and probably needed to have a break," Jackson said. "I caught chicken pox which probably didn't help either - I was pretty crook for a couple of weeks."

Before he came home, Saracens boss Mark Sinderberry indicated they would like to keep Jackson and suggested a further two-year contract would be offered when he got back.

Steamers coach Vern Cotter hopes to have Jackson playing for Bay of Plenty against the Lions in June and the skilful pivot admitted he was flattered but at the moment there was only one offer on the table.

"I certainly haven't ruled it out, that's for sure. Saracens have started to talk about things now but I haven't heard diddly-squat from the Bay.

"I'll be going back and talking to Saracens about where they see me fitting into their picture. They told me before I left that they were really keen to get me for another two years but I haven't actually signed anything."

Jackson has clocked up 28 points in the five games he's appeared in so far for the club, including scoring a try just six minutes into his debut.

He says skill levels of the English players are below their New Zealand counterparts, though their defensive screens are better organised.

The exception to the skill rule is England star Jonny Wilkinson, whom Jackson faced for the first time in late December when Saracens beat Newcastle 22-20.

"He's [Wilkinson] very influential and he draws crowds over there like Jonah used to do here.

"It's the first time I've actually played him and to see first-hand just how good he is, the All Blacks and the Bay will definitely be hoping he stays injured for the Lions series."

- NZPA