Irish duo’s rape charge

TWO Ulster and Ireland rugby stars are to be prosecuted for rape. Paddy Jackson, 25, and Stuart Olding, 24, strenuously deny the offence, which is alleged to have been committed in Belfast last June. The Irish RFU and Ulster Rugby said they took the allegations ‘extremely seriously’ and announced both players would be ‘relieved of their duties and obligations’ until the conclusion of the court process. Given the length of time court proceedings take in Northern Ireland, it is likely both will miss the whole of the coming season.