Ulster Rugby are expected to confirm the departure of both players in the coming days.
Ulster Rugby will confirm the departure of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding from the club in the coming days following the pair’s involvement in a rape trial in Belfast last month.
The Press Association reported on Friday night that Jackson and Olding will leave the club, with a joint statement from Ulster Rugby and the IRFU expected in the coming days, possibly as early as Saturday.
#Breaking Ulster Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, who were acquitted of rape following a trial last month, are to leave the club, the Press Association understands.
— PA Media (@PA) April 13, 2018
The news comes after a crowd of around 200 people gathered outside Kingspan Stadium to stage a protest ahead of Ulster’s victory over Ospreys on Friday, their first home game since Jackson and Olding were acquitted of all charges following the conclusion of the trial late last month.
The protest was organised by the Belfast Feminist Network and was attended by representatives from a number of women’s groups around the country.
Earlier this week, Ulster’s sponsors, Bank of Ireland, were said to be reviewing their sponsorship deal with the province and expressed concerns over the “serious behaviour and conduct issues” surrounding Jackson, Olding and Craig Gilroy.
Jackson and Olding have been the subject of a review by Ulster Rugby and the IRFU and will continue to be relieved of all duties while the review committee is in process and determining its findings.
They have been stood down for duty for Ulster and Ireland since charges were brought against them in July 2017.
Their Ulster and Ireland teammate, Craig Gilroy, has also been the subject of an internal review in relation to WhatsApp messages that were used as evidence during the trial; Gilroy issued a statement apologising for his behaviour earlier this month.
