Ulster fans’ warning for ticket sales

ULSTER RUGBY has been warned that season ticket renewals might drop if Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding are not reinstated in the team. The claim by the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club comes as thousands of people signed a petition for the players — who were both acquitted of all charges in a rape trial last month — to return to the pitch. Neither Jackson nor Olding have represented Ulster or Ireland since they were charged by the PSNI in July 2017. ‘The URSC can confirm that it has received no calls from its membership for the aforementioned players to be banned from playing for Ulster,’ a statement outlined. ‘On the contrary, the vast majority of members have made it clear they wish to see their early reinstatement to playing duties. ‘Indeed many have made it clear that if this is not the case it will strongly influence their decision on season ticket renewal or their future Kingspan attendance. ‘URSC is concerned that if such is the case, the numbers involved could impact adversely on support for the team and income for Ulster Rugby through the ticket sales.’

÷SCOTLAND international fly-half Duncan Weir is to join Aviva Premiership club Worcester. The Warriors announced that Weir has agreed a one-year deal and will link up with them from Edinburgh this summer. Weir has won 27 caps and moved to Edinburgh from Glasgow in 2016. He becomes Worcester’s 10th new signing ahead of next season, and Warriors rugby director Alan Solomons said: ‘He is a topclass player who possesses experience at the highest level in the game. ‘He will provide us with another outstanding option at fly-half as we continue to build an exciting squad ahead of the 2018/19 season, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club. ‘I am extremely excited to be moving to Sixways this summer to be part of a very talented squad,’ added Weir. ‘Warriors have shown this season that they can beat any team on their day.’