Ulster and Ireland rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been informed by the PSNI that they are to face prosecution in relation to rape charges, reports RTÉ.
In total, four men have been questioned in relation to an incident which took place in Belfast in June of last year and will now face prosecution.
IRFU confirm Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been charged by the PSNI pic.twitter.com/EAkKneUk94
— Donnchadh Boyle (@depboyle) July 25, 2017
Mr Jackson and Mr Olding have strenuously denied the charges.
In a statement, the IRFU also said that the “players have cooperated fully”. Both men have been relieved of their playing duties and obligations “until the conclusion of this process”.
RTÉ also reports that Mr Jackson and Mr Olding were interviewed by police last November in relation to the alleged incident.
A legal representative for Mr Jackson said “he rejects completely the allegations made against him and we are confident he will be exonerated in due course”.
Mr Olding’s solicitor said his client is “anxious to restore his good name through the court process in Northern Ireland, where the charge against him will be fully contested.”
Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding face prosecution for alleged rape, which both men deny.
— BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) July 25, 2017
Mr Jackson and Mr Olding will appear at Laganside Court in Belfast next month to face the charges, says IrishTimes.com.
