In the dark.

Former Ulster and Ireland international Paddy Wallace has called for a better explanation, after the IRFU decided to revoke the contracts of Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson.

After completing their review, a 105 word statement was released on Saturday morning, confirming both players had been released following their hugely publicised rape trial.

Speaking on Today with Sean O’Rourke, Wallace says sacking the pair was probably inevitable, but that the statement was too vague from the IRFU as to how they came to their decision.

“The decision itself was probably a decision that had to be made, given the public pressure that was mounting and also the sponsorship issue,” Wallace said.

“I think there’s a sense among the fans that they’ve been left in the dark a bit. There’s been quite a vague statement and just gauging the temperature of the supporters club they feel that they need a bit more information as how they came to that decision.

“I have my own view obviously, but I think somebody within Ulster Rugby needs to come out and make that very clear.”

“The vast majority of the official supporters club are very disappointed. I think that’s because they’re fans of the game,”

“They probably see these guys being acquitted and then judged on their text messages, which were obviously completely out of order.

“That is the core issue here and that is why they’re moving on because they didn’t meet the code of conduct that Irish players are held to.”

Wallace believes that it’s now time for the club and the players to move on and that Ulster need to “rebuild their brand”, following the court case.

“I think it’s an opportunity to Ulster Rugby to rebuild itself as a brand after the last couple of months,” he said.

“Also for the players themselves to move on and start again because Belfast and Ulster is a goldfish bowl.

“If they were to return to play at Kinspan it would be very difficult for the players themselves and for Ulster. So it’s probably best on both counts that they go elsewhere to ply their trade.

“I don’t think they’ll be short of offers either.”