ULSTER RUGBY and the IRFU have revoked the contracts of players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding as of this morning.
Yesterday, reports arrived saying the players, who were acquitted of rape at a trial in Belfast last month, are to depart the Kingspan Stadium.
#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.
— Press Association (@PA) April 13, 2018
The news followed a protest at Ulster’s game with Ospreys on Friday evening, the club’s first at the stadium since the pair were acquitted of all charges.
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU launched an internal review into the pair’s futures following the trial.
Following the review, the organisations have decided to end the contracts belonging to both Mr Jackson and Mr Olding.
The statement posted on Irish Rugby said the contracts of both players have been revoked:
"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."
The statement also said both organisations would do better to ensure their values of respect, inclusivity and integrity would be followed by their players and fans in the future:
"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."
