Their contracts were revoked with “immediate effect” this morning.
Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have both issued statements after their contracts with Ulster Rugby and the IRFU were revoked.
The departure of the pair was confirmed following an internal review of their conduct and behaviour as shown in the recent Belfast rape trial.
Jackson and Olding were both found not guilty of rape and were acquitted of all charges.
Following the news breaking, both men issued statements to the Press Association.
Olding expressed his regret and disappointment with the IRFU’s decision in a statement, which read:
“It is with regret that I have been informed that the IRFU have decided to revoke my contract.
“As I said outside Court following my acquittal, I am and will always be fierce 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 obligation 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.
“With the support of my family and friends I shall seek new challenges elsewhere. I bear no one any ill will.
“I am very sorry that this day has come to pass. To those who have supported me through these last 20 months and especially the fans who continue to support me, I thank you all.”
Stuart Olding:
“The treatment that I have received since my acquittal, both fair and unfair, has made me even more determined to prove myself.
With the support of my family and friends I shall seek new challenges elsewhere. I bear no one any ill will.” pic.twitter.com/Edtk4zF3JE
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) April 14, 2018
Meanwhile, Jackson’s statement also expressed his disappointment at the decision to revoke his contract.
It read:
“I am deeply disappointed about the outcome of the IRFU and Ulster Rugby’s internal 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. 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 my throughout this process. I have taken great strength from that support. I’d also like to thank Ulster andIrish 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 through Ulster and Ireland.”
Paddy Jackson tells @PA he is “deeply disappointed” to have been sacked by Ulster and Ireland. pic.twitter.com/7X3Mf4711M
— David Young (@DavidYoungPA) April 14, 2018
