Wellington's Jackson Garden-Bachop following in father's footsteps

Jackson Garden-Bachop (Getty file)
Jackson Garden-Bachop (Getty file)

His father carved out a successful career and now Jackson Garden-Bachop is hoping to do the same by leading Wellington back to provincial rugby's top flight.

The son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, and nephew of Graeme Bachop, 22-year old Jackson's been an integral part of Wellington's run to the semi-finals in 2016.

"[I'm] very proud, he's in good form this year, he's been getting some regular game time in his preferred position of first-five," Stephen said.

It's good form that's set to see him make the next step up in 2017, with Garden-Bachop set to sign for the Melbourne Rebels.

It's been a long road for Bachop though, who admits it's not always easy having a well-known surname.

"Coming through the junior grades there was a perception that I was just making the team because of my last name," Jackson said.

"A lot of expectation because as soon as someone sees the team list, they see your last name and they expect you to be carving up."

His dad's helped to ease that pressure by firmly prioritising father-first and rugby mentor-second.

"He's always just been my dad first, and that's what I've really grown to respect about him, he doesn't put any extra pressure on me because of our last name," Jackson said.

"[He's] just making sure I get a good balance in life, that's been his main message.

"Making sure I get a balance between rugby, training and then what I'm doing outside of it. Because I think he didn't when he was playing so he's trying to make sure I have something outside of rugby."

"It's all about guidance really, just trying to pass on the mistakes that I made, and the knowledge I gained from playing the game for quite a long time," Stephen said.

"I think I've always said to him 'you've just got to make a name for yourself', and as a parent, you're always hoping that they do better than you."

With his father having appeared in five Tests for the All Blacks, he's still got lots to do, but he's certainly moving in the right direction.

Newshub.