Rugby players ‘did not rape’

– Ireland rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were yesterday acquitted of raping a woman in Belfast in 2016.

Flyhalf Jackson, 26, has been capped for Ireland 25 times and centre Olding, 24, has played four times.

A jury of eight men and three women returned its unanimous verdict after deliberating for a total of nearly four hours.

The two, who were banned from playing pending the trial, had pleaded not guilty to charges over the alleged incident on June 28, 2016.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby said they would conduct their own investigation into the behaviour of the players, who will continue to be banned until a conclusion is reached.

“IRFU and Ulster Rugby officials will review the matter.

“The players will continue to be relieved of all duties while the review committee is in process and determining its findings,” it said in a statement –

Belfast

We wish to acknowledge that this has undoubtedly been a difficult and extremely traumatic time for all involved.