Rugby stars face rape prosecutions

Ulster and Ireland players Paddy Jackson, 25, and Stuart Olding, 24, strenuously deny the offence, which was alleged to have happened in Belfast last June.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby said they took the allegations “extremely seriously” and announced both players would be “relieved of their duties and obligations” until the conclusion of the court process. Given the length of time court proceedings take in the North, it is likely both will miss the entirety of the coming season.

The men were arrested and questioned last summer. They were released pending a report being submitted to Northern prosecutors.