Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding sacked by Ulster Rugby after rape acquittal

"I recognise that my behaviour has fallen far short of the values expected of me as an international player, a role model for the game of rugby and as a son and a brother"

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been sacked by the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby following a review of the recent Belfast rape trial.

The Ulster Rugby players were cleared of rape charges last month after they were accused of raping the same woman at a house party at Jackson's home.

A jury of eight men and three women found Jackson, 26, and Olding, 25, unanimously not guilty of rape after deliberating for three hours and 45 minutes after a nine-week trial at Belfast Crown Court.

All jurors also acquitted Jackson of sexual assault.

Two other men, Blane McIlroy, 26, and Rory Harrison, 25, were also unanimously acquitted of lesser charges connected to the case.

Ireland and Ulster player Craig Gilroy has also been sanctioned by the IRFU and Ulster Rugby following the review of a text message he sent to teammate Stuart Olding, which was used as evidence during the trial.

He will be unavailable for team selection until 26 April.

Paddy Jackson (Getty)

Around 250 people gathered for a protest outside the Kingspan Stadium in east Belfast on Friday night ahead of the team’s first home game since the players were acquitted.

Demonstrators expressed solidarity with the woman at the centre of the case and called for changes to how complainants in rape trials are treated by the criminal justice system.

They also called for action against what they claimed to be a misogynistic culture within rugby, after a series of sexually explicit WhatsApp conversations involving the players and their friends were revealed during the trial.

Belfast Feminist Network holds a protest outside the Kingspan Stadium in east Belfast to call on Ulster Rugby and IRFU for action against what they claim is a misogynistic culture within rugby (Liam McBurney/PA)

The rally was organised by the Belfast Feminist Network, who claimed the accused “expressed attitudes that are harmful and dangerous” and called for a commitment from rugby leaders to “take action to stamp out misogyny”.

Paddy Jackson said he was "truly sorry" after his contract was revoked, adding that he was "deeply disappointed" by the outcome of the IRFU and Ulster Rugby internal review.

"I recognise that my behaviour has fallen far short of the values expected of me as an international player, a role model for the game of rugby and as a son and a brother," he said in a statement. "I am truly sorry.

"Since I was a young boy it was my ambition to play for Ulster and Ireland and I am extremely proud, privileged and honoured to have done so.

"It is therefore with great sadness and regret but with many cherished memories that I leave that behind.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this process. I have taken great strength from that support. I'd also like to thank Ulster and Irish rugby for the opportunities that they provided for me and I wish them, and all my former team mates, every success.

"My focus in the months and years ahead will be on rebuilding the trust placed in me by people throughout Ulster and Ireland."

The IRFU and Ulster Rugby said in a joint statement on Saturday: "Following a review, conducted in the aftermath of recent court proceedings, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have revoked the contracts of Patrick Jackson and Stuart Olding with immediate effect,"

"In arriving at this decision, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby acknowledge our responsibility and commitment to the core values of the game: respect, inclusivity and integrity.

"It has been agreed, as part of this commitment, to conduct an in-depth review of existing structures and educational programmes, within the game in Ireland, to ensure the importance of these core values is clearly understood, supported and practised at every level of the game."

"Following a review of a text message sent by Craig Gilroy, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have sanctioned him, following a disciplinary process in accordance with the terms of his contract," they said in a further statement.

"Craig will be unavailable for team selection until 26 April."