‘IRFU has to work on its reputation,’ says expert

PADDY Jackson and Stuart Olding ‘continue to be relieved of all duties’ while a review of what happened takes place, the IRFU has said. The IRFU released a statement shortly after the four defendants in the Belfast rape trial were acquitted on all charges.

Mr Jackson, who has 25 Irish caps, and Mr Olding who has four caps, had returned from representing Ireland on a tour of South Africa the night before the alleged rape.

The IRFU released a statement following the verdicts, which read: ‘IRFU and Ulster Rugby officials will review the matter, in line with existing procedures for all contracted players. A Review Committee, made up of senior representatives of the IRFU and Ulster Rugby, has been appointed and will conclude its review as soon as practicable. The players will continue to be relieved of all duties while the Review Committee is in process and determining its findings.’

Leading British reputation consultant Steve Leigh told the Irish Daily Mail that the risk to Irish Rugby’s reputation was ‘significant’ as a result of what happened.

‘The actions of individuals who are members of a team, will always raise questions about the character of the group as a whole.

‘At a time when the profile and performance of the team is at such a high, the risk is even higher.’

He said the IRFU should begin by publicly expressing what values and behaviours they expect from players representing their team.

‘They should also clarify what team rules are in place and what will happen to those players that transgress,’ he said.