Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding could play for Ireland in future

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding may play again for Ireland in the future, according to IRFU performance director David Nucifora.

Earlier in the year, the former Ulster players were found not guilty of rape after a nine-week trial.

However, their club and national contracts were cancelled after social media and text messages were revealed in court.

Both players have now joined French clubs for next season with Jackson signing for Perpignan whilst Olding has moved to Brive.

Nucifora said: “The players have now found new contracts so that's a positive for them personally, individually, and everyone just has to move on from that.

"But I don't think anything is ever forever, who knows what could happen or what will happen?"

Players can only be considered for international selection if they are contracted to Irish clubs.

The national side are currently preparing for their third Test against Australia after levelling the series last week and speaking at a media event before Saturday’s crucial clash with the Wallabies, Nucifora added:

“For the immediate future, there's no thought that they will be considered. They are playing overseas at the moment. If you are playing overseas, you are not considered."

In the meantime, Jackson is keen to find his form once again after training with Perpignan for the first time after joining the club on a two-year deal.

"I want to find my best level quickly, I may be a little rusty but not too much," Jackson told L'Equipe.

"I will learn the culture of the team, I will recover ground and that's good.

"I really want to discover the Top 14, that's also a big challenge because there are many great players, many different styles of rugby and I love learning things quickly."

Perpignan are preparing for their first season back in the French top flight after they beat Grenoble in the Pro D2 final.

"The coaches and even the players really made me understand their will to continue evolving and progressing," continued Jackson.

"And I really want to help them do that. I want to contribute to making Perpignan a strong team of the Top 14."