OPINION: IRFU need to be open about review on international duo
The Irish internationals have paid the heaviest sanction possible by their employers - the Irish Rugby Football Union - their contracts revoked and unlikely to ever represent their country or Province at rugby again.
I say assume because the joint statement from the IRFU on Saturday morning confirming the fate of the rugby stars, did not confirm the actual reason.
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Hide AdThe statement 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.’
There is no argument against the fact that the private messages exchanged between the parties involved in the recent court trial - in which everyone was acquitted - were unacceptable in today’s society.
In spite of apologising they have still lost their jobs.
The pair, like their team mate Craig Gilroy, who was implemented only because of a private message he had sent, should have had a sanction imposed.
It would appear, and I am entitled to make the assumption given Olding’s comments in a statement after the IRFU decision, that other factors resulted in the outcome.
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Hide AdPublic opinion and pressure from sponsors would be the reasons for the axing of Jackson and Olding from Irish rugby.
The IRFU and/or Ulster Rugby must, at the earliest convenience, make the findings of their review public in the interests of accountability.