The joker who got serious when it came to rebuilding playing career

Ulster rugby is largely an interconnected family game. Gary went to Ben Madigan primary school with Gordon Henderson, the father of Iain Henderson, himself an Ulster and Ireland star.

It was inevitable Stuart and Iain would attend the same school, and both were playing rugby by age five. Gordon Henderson coached, along with Gary, and both boys played mini rugby at the Academy club.

For secondary school, he went to Belfast Royal Academy, playing in Ulster Schools Cup games with Henderson.

Methodist College, where Paddy Jackson and other future Ireland players attended, were the big rivals. A determined and fast player, Olding was chosen for both Ulster and Ireland Under-18s squads and he was part of the squad that beat South Africa in the 2012 Under-20 World Cup.

Stuart was called into the Ireland squad to tour America in 2013. In January 2015, he suffered a torn elbow ligament in a game in which Paddy Jackson also tore his elbow ligament.

They were both off rugby for eight weeks, a bonding time for the two school rugby rivals.

Time to go out and socialise, meet girls and live the life.

Giving evidence in his defence, Mr Olding described WhatsApp messages in which he wrote: ‘We are all top shaggers’ and ‘There was a lot of spitroasting going on last night fellas’, as immature bragging.

He said: ‘I am certainly not proud talking like that. But I did it, I have done it and I shouldn’t have done it.’

He was granted legal aid from the fifth week of the trial having funded earlier costs himself and with the help of friends and family.

While Mr Jackson arrived at court flanked by his family every day, Mr Olding faced the cameras alone.

Now, leaving court a free man, he faces yet another major battle – to return to the pinnacle of his sport.