Jackson, Olding to be prosecuted for rape

Ulster and Ireland stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding are among the four men to be prosecuted for rape allegations that happened in June last year.

Both Jackson and Olding along with two other men were held to custody and questioned last summer as well but later released pending a report being submitted to prosecutors in Northern Ireland.

However, Public Prosecution Service (PPS) sent summons to all four men on Monday and they are set to face court proceedings next month.

Apart from the duo, the third person is also accused with sexual offence while other person faces charges of withholding the information and perverting the course of justice.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has released a statement that both Jackson and Olding are relieved from the contracts until the conclusion of the court process which means they are unlikely to feature for either Ulster or Ireland any more in the coming season.

Meanwhile, lawyers of Jackson and Olding stressed on the fact that the duo denied the charges laid against them.

Jackson's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "We are very disappointed at the decision of the PPS to prosecute, given the particular circumstances and facts known in this case

"Our client rejects completely the allegations made against him and we are confident he will be exonerated in due course

"Given that the case will be a jury trial it is absolutely critical that nothing is done or said in the media to prejudice due process and to that end we urge restraint on any sensationalist reporting.

"We will push for as early a hearing as possible as Patrick wants to quickly resume playing his rugby for Ulster and representing his country."

Olding's solicitor Joe Rice claimed that his client is disappointed with the charges and is confident of coming out clean.

"It is disappointing that over a year since the original allegation was made that the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland has now issued a decision to prosecute," said Mr Rice.

"My client has co-operated fully with the police investigation. He is a man of impeccable good character and has never brought himself to the attention of the authorities previously.

"He is not subject to any bail conditions and he's anxious to restore his good name through the court process in Northern Ireland, where the charge against him will be fully contested."

A statement released by PPS claimed that sufficient evidence has been found to prosecute the the four men.

"As the criminal proceedings against these individuals have commenced and each has a right to a fair trial, it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings," a PPS spokesman added.