Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been stood down from their Ireland and Ulster duties after being charged by the PSNI.
25-year-old flyhalf Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, 24, have been charged by the PSNI over alleged sexual offences, which both players have denied.
The alleged incidents took place in Belfast back in June 2016.
Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding face prosecution for alleged rape, which both men deny.
— BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) July 25, 2017
IRFU issued the following statement confirming that both players have been relieved of their duties until the conclusion of the process:
The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are aware that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been charged by the PSNI in relation to serious allegations made against them.
The players have cooperated fully and strenuously deny the charges.
The IRFU and Ulster Rugby take these allegations extremely seriously.
To allow the players time to address this matter fully Ulster Rugby and the IRFU have agreed that they be relieved of their duties and obligations until the conclusion of this process. Appropriate support structures will be put in place with them during this time.
As this is a matter for the Public Prosecution Service it would be inappropriate to comment further.
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