ENGLISH Premiership rugby side Sale Sharks have denied they are signing Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.
It was widely reported today that the Greater Manchester outfit were close to signing the former Ulster players.
However the Salford-based club released a statement this evening denying the reports.
“Sale Sharks can confirm there is no substance to the rumours currently circulating in relation to the signing of the two international rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding,” read the statement.
“Our search continues for top class players to bolster the squad for next season.”
Jackson and Olding had their contracts revoked last month by Ulster and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) following a review.
The review was instigated after the two men were acquitted of rape after a trial at Belfast Crown Court.
However during the proceedings, lewd text messages sent to a Whatsapp group involving Jackson and Olding were revealed.
Following their sacking, a statement from Ulster and the IRFU said: “In arriving at this decision, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby acknowledge our responsibility and commitment to the core values of the game: Respect, Inclusivity and Integrity.”
Civil action dismissed
In other news, the BBC reports that Jackson and Olding have agreed to the dismissal of a High Court privacy action they took against BBC News NI.
The pair were suing after an online article in October 2016 reported their arrests before charges had been made.
It was believed the pair intended to pursue the civil action following their recent acquittal but have now accepted judgement against them.
They have agreed to make a contribution to the BBC's costs.
Mr Jackson also accepted judgement against him in another related court action against freelance sports journalist Orla Bannon.
