“It is with great sadness that we learnt of this outcome.”
Ulster Rugby players have issued a statement following the departure of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding from the side.
Jackson and Olding had their contracts revoked following an internal review launched in the wake of the not guilty verdict from their Belfast trial last month.
Jackson and Olding were unanimously acquitted of raping the same woman in June 2016, while Jackson was also found not guilty of sexual assault.
Ahead of Ulster’s final home game of the season against Glasgow this weekend, Rob Herring read a statement on behalf of the Ulster squad expressing sadness at Jackson and Olding’s departure.
“It is with a great deal of sadness that the players and pro staff have learnt of this outcome,” the statement read via The Belfast Telegraph.
“We know that the two boys will be successful both on and off the pitch wherever they go. As a group, we have to move on and our full focus is now on Glasgow this weekend.”
“It’s news that’s out there now,” Herring continued. “We’ll have to move quickly to a massive game against Glasgow this weekend. They’re a great side in good form.”
The fly-half had been linked with the French side this week https://t.co/bxXWyDqjEq
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 17, 2018
The IRFU and Ulster rugby confirmed on Saturday that the duo were to leave.
“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,” their statement read.
“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.”
