Ulster Rugby Players Release Statement Expressing Sadness At Jackson And Olding Departures

Ulster hooker Rob Herring has read out a statement on behalf of his teammates expressing their sadness at the departures of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

Following a lengthy Belfast court case, Jackson and Olding were acquitted of rape, with the former also cleared of sexual assault, on March 28 but later had their contracts revoked by both the IRFU and Ulster Rugby.

Ahead of this Saturday's game against Glasgow, Herring has appeared before the media and read a short prepared statement which said:

"It is with a great deal of sadness that the players and pro staff have learnt of this outcome.

"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."

While Jackson and Olding were both acquitted of their alleged crimes, controversy over the content of lewd Whatsapp messages revealed during the trial has remained.

You can listen to the full statement read by Herring, via the Belfast Telegraph, here.