Sale deny interest in Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding
Sky sources understand Jackson and Olding in talks with Sale - club issues statement later denying interest
Wednesday 2 May 2018 19:11, UK
Sale Sharks have denied any interest in signing former Ulster players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.
On Wednesday morning Sky sources told us that Aviva Premiership club Sale were in talks with the pair whose contracts at Ulster were revoked a month ago, and that offers had been made.
Both players were found not guilty of rape in March at the end of an eight-week trial in Northern Ireland. Ulster decided to sack the two Ireland internationals, after an internal review by the Irish province and the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Sky Sports News understood that separate contracts had been offered to Jackson 26, who has been capped 25 times by Ireland and Olding, 25, who has made four appearances for his country. The contracts had not been signed.
Later on Wednesday Sale issued the following statement: "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.
"Our search continues for top class players to bolster the squad for next season."
The decision to unanimously acquit Jackson and Olding led to protests outside Ulster's Kingspan Stadium last month, with demonstrators showing their anger with messages calling for misogyny and sexism to be stamped out from within sport and greater action from sporting bodies.
In April, a report from The Sunday Times indicated Jackson was under consideration by London Irish and Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne as a potential signing, before the French club quickly distanced themselves.
Aviva Premiership holders Exeter were also reported to be interested in Olding, but the league leaders said they had not discussed a move.
Sale currently sit seventh in the Premiership, ahead of their final game of the season against Leicester on Saturday.
