Jackson and Olding will stand trial for rape

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding will stand trial for rape it was ruled by the court today.

The pair appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court for a preliminary hearing into accusations against them.

Today was the first time Jackson, 25 and Olding, 24, had to appear in court.

Upon hearing from both the prosecution and the defence teams, District Judge George Conner ruled there to be enough evidence for the pair to go to trial.

Both Jackson and Olding are accused of raping the same woman, in June of last year at a property in south Belfast.

Olding has been charged with two counts of rape, while Jackson is charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Both are established stars of Ulster rugby and both have been capped for Ireland, Jackson 25 times and Olding on 4 occasions.