A: Nah, football was never really on my radar. Our garden was all about rugby. With my brother around, we were tossing that rugby ball every chance we got. Rugby was pretty much a given, and I ended up loving it!
Q: What position did you end up playing?
A: I’m a wing fullback, part of the back three. You’ll find me racking up those tries on the wing.
Q: Did your dad ever suggest, “Come on, we need you in the center”?
A: Not really. I don’t think I had the size for center play. Even if my dad were playing today, he might’ve been a wing too. Center’s all about brawn, and I’m good where I am in the back three.
Q: What level did you reach in school, and where are you in your rugby journey now?
A: Back in Scotland, I was repping in age-grade Scottish rugby. Now, I’m down in Sydney, suiting up for Eastern Suburbs. The goal’s simple: keep moving forward, keep performing, and let’s see where this rugby road takes me.
Q: So, let’s dive into the topic of night lenses and eyesight. When did you start noticing your nearsightedness? When did glasses come into the picture?
A: Round 14 or 15, I started noticing things getting a bit blurry. Figured glasses might be the trick. Tried ’em out at school to catch the board, but they weren’t doing me any favors in sports.
Q: How did your friends react when you showed up at school with glasses?
A: Oh man, they had a field day with that! Glasses just didn’t rock my look, I guess.
Q: During your rugby progression, did you notice your eyesight affecting your performance on the pitch?
A: Big time, especially in the back three action. Think about it—high ball catching, scanning the whole field. As you climb up the ranks, those little vision differences start making a big impact.
Q: As a fullback, dealing with rain, mud, and the dark Scottish conditions, did night lenses make rugby easier?
A: Totally, especially with the darkness thrown in!
Q: So, wearing night lenses, did you find rugby easier?
A: My eyes weren’t in shambles, so I managed okay without ’em. But once I started using night lenses, it was like a whole new game. I’d pop ’em in once a week and I was set. Pretty clutch for a guy who likes to keep things simple.
Q: Did you see improvements in other sports you play with night lenses?
A: No doubt. Family tennis got a real boost. Before, without night lenses, I was like a beat behind. But once I had ’em on, my ball-hitting game got a solid upgrade. Not quite Nadal, but I was stepping up my game.
Q: I can imagine your dad serving it up hard on the court. Was it pretty competitive in the Lineen household?
A: Oh yeah, no holds barred! Used to be me and my brother against the folks. Now it’s me and my mom teaming up against my dad and bro. They go all out, no mercy. My dad’s still smashing those serves, mixing in drop shots and lobs, trying to get the edge.
Q: So, would you give a thumbs-up to night lenses for young rugby players, or any rugby players out there? Why?
A: Absolutely, no question about it. They’re just so easy. No fuss, no lens troubles on the field. You’ve seen players dealing with lenses mid-game, and it’s a distraction you don’t need. Night lenses are a game-changer, and they’re a breeze to use.
Q: We talked earlier about a player caught fiddling with lenses on camera. That’s gotta be a nightmare during a game. Have night lenses been a game-changer for you?
A: Definitely. Picture dealing with glasses or day lenses while playing—it’d be a mess. Night lenses are part of my routine now. Pop ’em in before bed, take ’em out in the morning—simple as that.
Q: Long-time night lens wearers often say it’s like they don’t even have an eyesight issue anymore. Does that ring true for you?
A: Absolutely. Daytime, I don’t even think twice about it. Just a quick morning and night ritual, and I’m good to go.
Q: Thanks a ton for this chat, Jacob. Enjoy your time in Sydney, and best of luck rocking your rugby journey. We’ll be cheering you on!
A: Thanks a bunch. Appreciate it, and I’ll give it my all out here!