Ulster rugby pair deny involvement in alleged sexual assault

Two Ulster Rugby players have rejected any involvement in an alleged sexual assault.

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were arrested at the end of June this year.

The alleged incident at a property in south Belfast was reported to police.

The pair aged 23 and 24 have been questioned and a report prepared for prosecutors.

In a statement, the club says the players deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any offence.

"Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been assisting the PSNI with enquiries. 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"

A third man has been detained for perverting the course of justice.

Lawyers representing Patrick Jackson have issued a statement:

"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."

Statement from Paddy Jackson's lawyers after he was arrested over an alleged sexual assault "He rejects completely any allegations" pic.twitter.com/Y8QwY4LWgF

— Maria McCann (@journomaria) November 1, 2016

Police confirmed the pair were arrested on Thursday 30th June in relation to a number of sexual offences, reported to have taken place at a property in south Belfast, on 28th June. 

The men have been interviewed and released from custody. A file will be prepared for submission to the PPS. A fourth man aged 24, will be reported to the PPS in relation to this incident for perverting the course of justice.

The Ireland International Rugby team are heading to Chigaco to take on The New Zealand All Blacks on Saturday 5th November.

Paddy Jackson has been left out of the squad.

The IRFU has cited personal reasons.