Nothing is forever.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora hasn’t closed the door on Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding returning and playing for Ireland in the future.

The former Ulster pair had their contracts revoked by the IRFU earlier this year following their much publicised rape trial. Both players were found not guilty, but a decision was made to release them anyway.

Olding recently signed a two-year deal with PRO D2 side Brive, while Jackson will be playing in the Top 14 next season having signed a two-year deal with newly-promoted Perpignan.

Nucifora said it’s not really for him to say, but as far as he is concerned – ‘nothing is forever.’

“It’s not one for me to say but I don’t think we can make a comment on that,” said Nucifora.

“But I don’t think anything is ever forever, who knows what could happen or what will happen?

“For the immediate future, there’s no thought that they will be considered. They are playing overseas so at the moment if you’re playing overseas, you’re not considered.”

Nucifora added that it’s positive that the duo have found new clubs, and says he hopes the IRFU never have to go through what happened again.

“The players now have found new contracts so that’s a positive for them personally, individually, and everyone just has to move on from that. It was a tough year in regards to that for the players, for Ulster, and for rugby in general.

“Hopefully, we don’t go through that ever again.”