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Olding and Jackson in the Ulster colours. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Denial

Police question two Irish rugby stars over alleged sexual offences

Ulster pair Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were quizzed by the PSNI before being released.

IRELAND AND ULSTER rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing after the pair were arrested and questioned by the PSNI over alleged sexual offences.

24-year-old fly-half Jackson and versalite back Olding, 23, were quizzed about the offences, which the BBC reports allegedly took place in Belfast back in June, before being released.

Jackson was left out of Ireland’s squad for the trip to Chicago to face New Zealand this weekend for “personal reasons”, and Ulster Rugby released a brief statement this morning denying the claims.

“Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been assisting the PSNI with enquiries,” it reads.

The players deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any offence. As no charges have been brought forward, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

KRW Law, the legal firm representing Jackson, also expressed their disappointment that the information has been leaked to the media.

“We act on behalf of Patrick Jackson,” their statement reads. “He rejects completely any allegations made against him. Patrick has co-operated fully with police in their inquiries and we have been liaising with police on his behalf.

“We are both disappointed and indeed concerned that this information has been leaked to the press before the investigation has concluded and well in advance of any final decision. This has the potential to be prejudicial to our client’s interests.

“We will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to protect his legal position as he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. We urge the media to restrain from any damaging speculation.”

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