WILLIE JOHN GOT IT WRONG
WILLIE JOHN McBRIDE spoke passionately and from his great big heart in the middle of the week when he told radio listeners that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding needed to be allowed back on a rugby field in this country, and allowed to ‘do what they do best’ as fast as possible. Speaking as president of the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club — and as a man who will remain a colossus in the game in this country to his dying days — McBride also deserves to be heard. Everyone has a strong opinion about what should await Jackson and Olding in their rugby careers. However, it was a great pity that McBride (below) spoke as an Ulsterman, first and foremost, when he offered his opinion on what should happen next. As a legend of the game, he is remembered for what he achieved in the green shirt of this country — and not for anything he did on the field as an Ulsterman. And despite his ‘presidency’ up north, it would have been prudent for him to take in the opinion and feelings of everyone involved in the game, north and south. While, indeed, he has a right to be heard, it also might have been wise for McBride to await the final decision of the IRFU on the future of the two players. It is being suggested that this decision will be known at some stage today. It will be best, in my opinion, if Jackson and Olding find themselves looking to restart their careers far away from Ravenhill and Lansdowne Road. While found not guilty of rape charges, their conduct on the evening in question and afterwards has done sufficient damage to the game in this country, and it will be best for everyone — including the Ulster team and their supporters — if their careers in this country are at an end. Equally, the Ulster team can hardly ‘do what it does best’ on the field with Jackson and Olding still in their ranks. And Willie John McBride, the ultimate team captain, knows better than anyone that the team must always come first.