Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding sacked after internal review
Ulster rugby and IRFU confirm news in online statement
Last updated 14th Apr 2018
Two Ulster and Ireland rugby stars who were acquitted of raping the same woman have been sacked.
Ulster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union have confirmed Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding's contracts have been revoked, following an internal review into their conduct.
26-year-old Paddy Jackson, and Olding, 25 were found not guilty last month after a high-profile trial but other aspects of their behaviour have been heavily criticised.
Major sponsors of Ulster Rugby voiced concern over sexually explicit Whatsapp messages.
The review focused on those conversations involving the players and their friends about the sexual encounter at the centre of the rape trial.
Their colleague Craig Gilroy who was not involved in the trial, was also disciplined for sending offensive messages.
He had already been made unavailable for selection and will now face a further two-week suspension.
A joint statement from Ulster Rugby and the IRFU stated: "Following a review, conducted in the aftermath of recent court proceedings, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have revoked the contracts of Patrick Jackson and Stuart Olding with immediate effect.
"In arriving at this decision, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby acknowledge our responsibility and commitment to the core values of the game - respect, inclusivity and integrity.
"It has been agreed, as part of this commitment, to conduct an in-depth review of existing structures and educational programmes, within the game in Ireland, to ensure the importance of these core values is clearly understood, supported and practised at every level of the game.''
Outhalf Jackson said he was "deeply disappointed'' with the outcome of the review.
"However, I recognise that my behaviour has fallen far short of the values expected of me as an international player, a role model for the game of rugby and as a son and a brother,'' he added.
"I am truly sorry.
"Since I was a young boy it was my ambition to play for Ulster and Ireland and I am extremely proud, privileged and honoured to have done so.
"It is therefore with great sadness and regret but with many cherished memories that I leave that behind.
"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this process.
"I have taken great strength from that support.
"I'd also like to thank Ulster and Irish rugby for the opportunities that they provided for me and I wish them, and all my former team-mates, every success.
"My focus in the months and years ahead will be on rebuilding the trust placed in me by people throughout Ulster and Ireland.''
Olding also expressed regret.
"I am very sorry this day has come to pass,'' he said.
The centre said he would seek new challenges and did not bear any ill-will.
"As I said outside court following my acquittal, I am and will always be fiercely proud of having played for my province and country.
"I very much wished to continue to have the opportunity to represent them.
"Regrettably, influences outside of my contractual arrangement have made it impossible for that to happen.
"I said outside court that the Stuart Olding that you read about in the trial is not the real Stuart Olding.
"The treatment that I have received since my acquittal, both fair and unfair, has made me even more determined to prove myself.''
An intense debate on Jackson and Olding's future has been played out in print and online since the verdicts.
Campaigners calling for Jackson and Olding to be axed took out a prominent newspaper advert last week.
Supporters demanding their reinstatement followed suit with their own newspaper advert this week.
Thousands of people on both sides of the argument have also signed competing online petitions reflecting their views.
Around 250 people staged a protest outside Ulster Rugby's stadium on Friday night ahead of the team's first home game since the two players were acquitted.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Kingspan Stadium in east Belfast ahead of Ulster's Pro14 match against the Ospreys to express solidarity with the woman at the centre of the case and call for changes to how complainants in rape trials are treated by the criminal justice system.
They also called for action against what they claim is a misogynistic culture within rugby.