No option.

Former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll believes Ulster Rugby and the IRFU had no option but to revoke the contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

Both Jackson and Olding were found not guilty on all charges brought against them at Belfast Crown Court last month. But ultimately the IRFU felt their behaviour warranted termination regardless.

O’Driscoll says the IRFU moved to “end the slur on the reputation of the game” and stamp out any “potential misogynistic undercurrents that might exist” within it.

“I think from the IRFU perspective, I think they were left with no option but to sever ties with Stuart and Paddy.” O’Driscoll told Off The Ball

“I think the IRFU moved swiftly to try and end this situation and to end the slur on the reputation of the game that has been in Ireland over the course of the last few months.”

“In all negative situations, you have to try and draw some positives. Highlighting any potential misogynistic undercurrents that might exist within the game and stamp that out.”