Former Ireland international calls on Ulster to offer better explanation for Jackson and Olding dismissals

"The vast majority in official Supporters Clubs are very disappointed," added the 38-year-old.

"I think that's because they are fans of the game. They probably feel that these guys have been acquitted and they are being judged on their text messages which were obviously completely out of order and that is the core issue here.

"That is why they are moving on, they didn't meet the code of conduct Irish and Ulster players are held to.

"From that point of view, there was no decision to be made. I think the supporters, because they want to see Ulster being successful on the pitch, are sad to see the two players moving on." The Ulster Rugby Supporters Club released a statement on their website after the decision and explained to their members that they would consider the views of their members before issuing an official response. "Previously URSC (Ulster Rugby Supporters Club) had said it respected the judicial outcome and the review process. "Subsequently URSC asked that the review outcome be proportionate and in line with precedence. "URSC will now examine the review outcome, and taking account of its members' views, will provide its considered response in due course. "We would encourage as many members as possible to respond [to the questionnaire], to help the committee accurately reflect the feelings of URSC members and act accordingly." A petition to have both players reinstated by Ulster Rugby gained more than 18,000 signatures on change.org.