irfu chiefs are urged to review court evidence

THOUSANDS of people have signed an online petition demanding the IRFU reviews evidence from the rape trial of Paddy Jackson and Stuart

Olding – and publishes their findings.

Launched by two men and two women, it had attracted more than

7,000 signatures in a matter of hours after going online.

On the change.org petition, it states: “Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane Mcilroy, and Rory Harrison were found not guilty of charges brought against them in Belfast.

“However, the trial highlighted worrying conduct and attitudes of players which many do not feel are representative of Irish people.

“The Irish rugby team act as ambassadors of Ireland.

“We do not want other countries to think that this behaviour and these attitudes are representative of Irish people.

TEAM

“The Irish rugby team are also heroes of many young people.

“We do not want them to feel that what has been revealed throughout the trial was or ever will be acceptable or celebrated.

“We do not want young rugby players and fans to think this is OK behaviour to emulate.

“Clubs and national teams regularly drop players and do not renew contracts over inappropriate behaviour off the field for these reasons.

“Please confirm that you will conduct a thorough review of their behaviour and make the findings public if these players are ever being considered to play for the Irish team.

“Please consider their admissions in court, Whatsapp records of their dialogue, their public image, the IRFU code of ethics.”

One respondent, writing under the name Laura Ryan, posted: “I’m not going to cheer for a team that thinks so little of women.

“Please then act on the findings. This is the minimum you can do to ensure the integrity of Irish rugby.”