Irish International Pair Stood Down From Rugby Amid Charges From Police
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Irish rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been charged by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The charges are in relation to sexual offences that were alleged to have taken place in Belfast in June of last year, which the two players deny. Both have been stood down from their Ireland and Ulster duties as a result.
The IRFU issued the following statement confirming that both players have been relieved of their duties until the conclusion of the process:
The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are aware that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been charged by the PSNI in relation to serious allegations made against them.
The players have cooperated fully and strenuously deny the charges.
The IRFU and Ulster Rugby take these allegations extremely seriously.
To allow the players time to address this matter fully Ulster Rugby and the IRFU have agreed that they be relieved of their duties and obligations until the conclusion of this process. Appropriate support structures will be put in place with them during this time.
As this is a matter for the Public Prosecution Service it would be inappropriate to comment further.
It is unclear as to when a trial will take place, but it appears they will not play again until it is concluded.
