Premiership club set for controversial Jackson and Olding double deal - reports

Sale Sharks are set to make a double swoop for Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding according to reports in the English media.

The Telegraph say that cut-price deals for the duo have been agreed, with their signings to be announced once the Premiership season finishes.

Sale would be picking up an experienced pair, 26-year-old flyhalf Jackson has made 25 appearances for Ireland since 2013, while 25-year-old Olding has made four.

Despite the potential for a backlash Sale are set to plough on regardless.

Both players had their contracts terminated after the IRFU and Ulster Rugby conducted an internal review following Jackson and Olding’s acquittal over rape charges.

The review focused on a series of explicit group text conversations involving the players and their friends, which was revealed during the trial.

Protests took place outside Ulster’s Kingspan Stadium following the trial and a number of the club’s sponsors expressed their concerns over the players conduct prior to their sacking.

At the time of his contract termination Jackson released a statement saying: “I am deeply disappointed about the outcome of the IRFU and Ulster Rugby’s internal review.

“However, I recognise that my behaviour has fallen far short of the values expected of me as an international player, a role model for the game of rugby and as a son and a brother. I am truly sorry.

“Since I was a young boy it was my ambition to play for Ulster and Ireland and I am extremely proud, privileged and honoured to have done so. It is therefore with great sadness and regret but with many cherished memories that I leave that behind.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this process. I have taken great strength from that support. I’d also like to thank Ulster and Irish rugby for the opportunities that they provided for me and I wish them, and all my former team mates, every success.

“My focus in the months and years ahead will be on rebuilding the trust placed in me by people throughout Ulster and Ireland.”

Stuart Olding said influences outside of his ‘contractual arrangement’ had made his continued employment impossible.

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

“As I said outside 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 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 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.”

The two, who were banned from playing pending the trial, had pleaded not guilty to charges over the alleged incident on June 28, 2016.