Not welcome.

Ulster Rugby today banned news reporters from attending their pre-match press conference, ahead of this weekend’s PRO14 clash with Glasgow Warriors.

The northern province have understandably been bombarded by non-sports journalists in recent months as a result of the Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding rape trial.

After consulting with the regular press conference attendees, Ulster felt it was time they were banned, now that a decision has been made regarding Olding and Jackson, allowing the focus to shift back to the rugby itself.

“The attendance of non-sport journalists at recent match week media events has caused significant disruption to regular attendees, who have been negatively impacted to the extent that they have been unable to access sufficient information and content for the days leading up to that week’s game.” an Ulster Rugby statement read.

“Therefore, following consultation with regular press conference attendees, it was decided that access to this week’s event would be restricted to sport journalists only.”

To be fair, this entire process has gone on for a very long time. A decision has been reached and for all involved at Ulster Rugby it’s time to move on. The province have too huge games left in the regular PRO14 season that could make or break their campaign.

As far as Ulster are concerned, it’s time to start focusing on what’s happening on the pitch, not off it.