RUGBY STARS 'TO LEAVE CLUB'

Ulster set to issue statement on Jackson and Olding exit

PADDY Jackson and Stuart Olding’s departure from Ulster Rugby is expected to be announced imminently.

It is understood contractual issues were still to be ironed out yesterday over the stars’ future after the pair, left, were cleared of rape charges last month.

The development comes as protesters last night hit out at a “misogynistic culture” within

rugby during a rally outside Ulster’s ground in East Belfast. It was the club’s first home match since the end of the mammoth trial.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have been carrying out a review into the players’ future in the wake of their acquittal on rape charges at Belfast Crown Court.

Jackson, 26, and 25-year-old Olding were unanimously found not guilty of rape after a nine-week trial. All jurors also acquitted Jackson of sexual assault.

Two other men, Blane Mcilroy, 26, and Rory Harrison, 25, were also unanimously acquitted of lesser charges connected to the case.

The Ulster Rugby and IRFU review has focused on a series of sexually explicit Whatsapp conversations revealed during the trial involving the players and their friends.

A number of the club’s main sponsors expressed concern at the fallout following the court case and called on it to conclude its review swiftly.

Around 250 people staged a protest outside the Kingspan Stadium ahead of Ulster’s 8-0 Pro14 victory against the Ospreys.

They expressed solidarity with the woman at the centre of the case and called for changes to how complainants in rape trials are treated by the criminal justice system.

The picket was organised by the Belfast Feminist Network but some fans backed the players and one wore a “I Support Paddy Jackson” T-shirt.