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Star Irish duo charged with rape

Cape Town - Ireland rugby internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding are to be prosecuted for the alleged rape of a woman.

According to the Irish Times, the incident occurred at a house in south Belfast in June last year.

Jackson and Olding, who both represent the Ulster club in Ireland, are due to appear at Laganside Court in Belfast next month to face the rape charges.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby said they took the allegations “extremely seriously” and that both players would be ­“relieved of their duties and ­obligations” until the conclusion of the court process.

The North’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said that four men are to be prosecuted in relation to the incident. The two other men are being prosecuted for lesser offences related to the alleged rape are reportedly not professional rugby players.

Lawyers for the two rugby players said the men denied the allegations and would be contesting the charges.

Flyhalf Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times while centre Olding has played four times.

Both players are likely to miss the 2017/18 season.


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