Latest: Stuart Olding’s lawyer Joe Rice later said: “We wish to emphasise that he completely rejects any allegations of wrongdoing made against him and is confident his name will be cleared in due course.
“Our client has fully co-operated with the PSNI in their inquiries and is of previous good character.
“It is disappointing that this information has been made public before the police investigation has even been completed.
“We wish to point out that we will take any necessary steps to safeguard our client’s legal position and to uphold his right to the presumption of innocence.”
Earlier:At a scheduled press conference in the Kingspan Stadium, Ulster’s director of rugby Les Kiss declined to add further comment.
He said: “The statements have been put out.
“It would be inappropriate to make any further comment and that’s how it stands at this stage.”
Meanwhile, it is understood the PPS in the North has not yet received any files relating to the case.
Ulster Rugby have released a statement after police questioned two of their players – Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding – in connection with alleged sexual offences.
The club said: “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.”
Two Ulster and Ireland rugby stars have been questioned by police in connection with a number of alleged sexual offences.
Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were two of three men arrested and interviewed in relation to alleged incidents at a property in south Belfast. The men were released pending a police report being sent to prosecutors for assessment.
The alleged offences and arrests happened in June but details have only now emerged.
Jackson was not included in Ireland’s 27-man squad travelling to Chicago to play New Zealand on Saturday. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said the out-half was left out of the party for “personal reasons”.
Olding is currently out of action with a hip flexor injury.
Jackson, 24, has been capped for Ireland 16 times while centre Olding, 23, has played four times.
The two Belfast men are established stars for Ulster Rugby and have played regularly this season.
The PSNI said: “Police arrested two men aged 24 and one man aged 23 on Thursday 30 June in relation to a number of sexual offences, reported to have taken place at a property in south Belfast on 28 June.
“The men have been interviewed and released from custody. A file will be prepared for submission to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). A fourth man aged 24, will be reported to the PPS in relation to this incident for perverting the course of justice.”
In a statement this morning, Jackson’s legal firm KRW Law said 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.”
