Hill had a close relationship with Jackman and believes his game came on ‘leaps and bounds’ with his guidance.
And the Wales international is now determined that the foundations that Jackman put in place are built upon as Dragons prepare for a Euro showdown with Clermont before a series of huge Welsh derby fixtures.
“We have all thanked Bernard for all he has done. I think I have come on leaps and bounds, on and off the pitch, under him,” he said.
“The last couple of years have been big for me personally, and for many others guys.
“You only have to look at the guys in the Welsh squad. When I had my first cap it was only me and Hallam (Amos) in the squad. When Hallam got injured it was effectively only me.
“This campaign just gone we had five or six of us there. That is a massive positive so there is clearly a lot of good work that Bernard has done in the region.
“We all had a good relationship with Bernard, especially me, and we worked well together. We were all gutted when we heard the news,” he added.
“I really feel he has done so much good in the region and he has kicked us on and moved us forward.
“Obviously results haven’t gone our way, but he did a lot right across the region to help us progress.
“It’s up to us as players now to step it up and really push it forward to ensure we start putting performances on the pitch for the Dragons.”
