Rugby: Two Irish test players to be prosecuted for rape

Paddy Jackson has been capped 25 times for Ireland. Photo / photosport.nz

Two Ulster and Ireland rugby stars are to be prosecuted for rape.

Paddy Jackson, 25, and Stuart Olding, 24, strenuously deny the offence, which was alleged to have ­happened in Belfast last June.

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.

It is likely both will miss the whole season.

The men were arrested and questioned last summer. They were released pending a report being submitted to prosecutors in Northern Ireland.

The Public Prosecution Service has said four men questioned in relation to the incident are to be prosecuted. Jackson and Olding are to be prosecuted for rape.

Another man is accused of sexual offences, while the fourth faces counts of withholding information and perverting the course of justice. Summons were served on the men yesterday (NZ time).

They will appear in court next month.

First-five Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times, while midfielder Olding has played four times.

Lawyers for Jackson and Olding stressed that the men denied the charges.

Kevin Winters, Jackson's solicitor, 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."

Joe Rice, Olding's solicitor, said his client was determined to prove his innocence.

"My client has co-operated fully with the police investigation," said Mr Rice.

"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."