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Ulster Rugby and IRFU release statement in wake of rape trial verdict
By Online Editors
A jury has found Ulster Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding not guilty of rape at Laganside District Court.
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.
Flyhalf Jackson, 26, has been capped for Ireland 25 times and centre Olding, 24, has played four times.
It was alleged Jackson and Olding raped a 21-year-old student at a house party at Jackson’s house on the night of the 28 June, 2016.
Two other men had lesser charges brought against them in connection with the alleged incident.
Blane McIlroy (26) from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, was accused of one count of exposure, while Rory Harrison (25) from Manse Road, Belfast, was charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU have released a statement:
"The IRFU and Ulster Rugby note the verdict handed down today at the Belfast Crown Court in relation to the case brought against Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding. We wish to acknowledge that this has undoubtedly been a difficult and extremely traumatic time for all involved.
"To respect the judicial proceedings, the IRFU and Ulster Rugby postponed any internal review of the matter with the players, until the proceedings concluded.
"IRFU and Ulster Rugby officials will review the matter, in line with existing procedures for all contracted players. A Review Committee, made up of senior representatives of the IRFU and Ulster Rugby, has been appointed and will conclude its review as soon as practicable. The players will continue to be relieved of all duties while the Review Committee is in process and determining its findings."
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Agree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to commentsKeep telling yourself that. The time for a fresh broom is at the beginning - not some "balanced, incremental" (i.e. status quo) transition. All teams establish the way forward at the beginning. This coaching group lacked ideas and courage and the players showed it on the pitch. Backs are only average. Forwards are unbalanced and show good set piece but no domination in traditional AB open play. Unfortunately, Foster - Mark 2. You may be happy with those performances and have some belief in some "cunning plan" but I don't see any evidence of it. Rassie is miles ahead and increasing the gap.
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