Irish rugby stars facing rape charges in court

Two Ulster and Ireland rugby stars are to be prosecuted for rape.

Paddy Jackson, 25, and Stuart Olding, 24, strenuously deny the offence, which was alleged to have happened in Belfast last June.

The Irish Rugby Football Union 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 entirety of the coming season.

The men were arrested and questioned last summer. They were released pending a report being submitted to prosecutors in Northern Ireland.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said four men questioned in relation to the incident are to be prosecuted.

Jackson and Olding are to be prosecuted for rape, another man is accused of sexual offences while the other faces counts of withholding information and perverting the course of justice. Summons were served on the men on Monday. They will appear in court to face the charges next month.

Fly half Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times while centre Olding has played four times. The two Belfast men are established stars for Ulster Rugby.

Lawyers for Jackson and Olding stressed that the men denied the charges. Jackson’s solicitor Kevin Winters said: “Our client rejects completely the allegations made against him and we are confident he will be exonerated in due course.”

Olding’s solicitor Joe Rice added: “He is anxious to restore his good name through the court process in Northern Ireland, where the charge against him will be fully contested.”