Teenager from Blackburn carries match ball onto the pitch for the Rugby World Cup Final

The moment Jacob carried on the Rugby World Cup ball ahead of the final - pictures from ITV Sport

A 14-year-old from Blackburn who carried the match ball onto the pitch of the Rugby World Cup final in Paris, says it was "one of the greatest moments of my life".

Jacob Pickering, who plays for Blackburn Rugby Union Club, took centre stage at the game on Saturday 28 October, as the New Zealand and South Africa players emerged from the tunnel.

The 14-year-old joined sports correspondent Chris Hall, and presenters Gamal Fahnbulleh and Elaine Willcox in the studio.

Jacob and his dad Dave Pickering in the Granada Reports studio

Jacob said: "I was really, really nervous, but I had to play it cool.

"It really was one of the best moments, ever.

"Watching the New Zealand players perform The Haka dance before the match was amazing...intimidating but amazing at the same time."

Meet the boy carrying the ball onto the pitch for The Rugby World Cup
Jacob at the Defender Trailblazer launch event. Credit: Defender Trailblazers

Jacob's dad Dave Pickering said it was "crazy" to see his son emerge from the tunnel, but that he was "so proud".

"He just walked out, there was no emotion shown, he was just like 'I'm doing this', it was great!"

Jacob was born without a left-forearm and has been playing rugby since he was seven-years-old.

After trying out football, Jacob found his love for rugby and has "never looked back".

He said: "The rugby team don't treat me any differently. I am coached and tackle exactly the same as everyone else.

"I don't consider myself any different. I don't let my arm hold me back in any way."

In 2020, The Defender Trailblazer campaign heard about Jacob's ability on the pitch and asked him to be part of their partnership with the Rugby World Cup.

The campaign, which is organised by Land Rover, highlights individuals who represent the very best of rugby and show how the sport can be for everyone.

Jacob was chosen through the Defender Trailblazer campaign to carry the match ball on the Rugby World Cup final.

During the tournament in France, the trailblazer campaign also involved statues of Jacob and fellow trailblazers across stadiums.

Jacob said: "My friends would see it on the TV or on TikTok and think...is that Jacob?

"They were like...'wow, that's really cool'"

Statues of Jacob Pickering could be found at stadiums across France during the Rugby World Cup. Credit: Defender Trailblazers

Jacob has also appeared in ITV adverts during matches and billboards promoting the Trailblazer campaign.

On 28 October, South Africa won the men’s Rugby World Cup for a record fourth time.

The victory means South Africa are the most successful nation in men’s World Cup history with their fourth crown nudging them clear of New Zealand.