Sale rule out Jackson and Olding signings

Sale Sharks say there is “no substance” to reports that they are set to sign former Ulster duo Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

The Premiership club were said to be in talks with the Ireland internationals after they were released by Ulster last month despite being acquitted of rape charges.

Sale on Wednesday denied that the duo could be on their way to the AJ Bell Stadium.

A club statement said: “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 two players were cleared of rape at Belfast Crown Court in March, with Jackson also found not guilty of sexual assault.

Both men had denied raping the same woman at a party at Jackson’s home in June 2016.

Although Jackson and Olding were cleared of criminal charges, they have faced criticism over the content of explicit WhatsApp conversations that emerged during the trial between the players and their friends.

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