Sadness.

The Ulster Rugby players have reacted for the first time since the sacking of Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson by the IRFU over the weekend.

Both players had their contracts revoked on Saturday by the IRFU and Ulster Rugby, despite being acquitted of all charges following their rape trial at Belfast Crown Court.

Former teammate and current Ulster and Ireland hooker Rob Herring became the first player to come out and speak about their dismissal this afternoon.

Herring says the Ulster players felt “a great deal of sadness” when they learned that Jackson and Olding had their contracts revoked. But he is confident that will be “successful both on and off the pitch wherever they go.”

“It is with a great deal of sadness that the players and pro staff have learnt of this outcome,” Herring said

“We know that the two boys will be successful both on and off the pitch wherever they go.”

“As a group, we have to move on and our full focus is now on Glasgow this weekend.

“It’s news that’s out there now. We’ll have to move quickly to a massive game against Glasgow this weekend. They’re a great side in good form.”