Regret.

Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson will leave Ulster Rugby after they and the IRFU agreed to revoke their contracts with immediate effect.

The international pair were acquitted of rape last month, but their conduct has been deemed as enough to warrant both their contracts being terminated.

Olding has now released the following statement via the Press Association, stating he’s “determined to prove myself.”

“It is with regret that I have been informed that the IRFU have decided to revoke my contract.”

“As I said outside the court following my acquittal, I am and will always be fiercely proud of having played for my province and country.”

“I very much wished to continue to have the opportunity to represent them.”

‘Regrettably, influences outside of my contractual arrangement have made it impossible for that to happen.”

“I said outside the court that the Stuart Olding that you read about in the trial is not the real Stuart Olding.”

“The treatment that I have received since my acquittal, both fair and unfair, has made me even more determined to prove myself.”

“With the support of my family and friends I shall now seek new challenges elsewhere. I bear no one any ill will.”

“I am very sorry that this day has come to pass.”

“To those who have supported me through these last 20 months and especially the fans who continue to support me, I thank you all.”