Bank of Ireland is reviewing its association with Ulster Rugby following revelations from last month's trial of Stuart Olding (pictured) and Paddy Jackson.GETTY IMAGES
Pro14 club Ulster Rugby sponsor Bank of Ireland said that it is "highly concerned" about the behavior of two players "who were accused and cleared of rape," according to Ellen Coyne of the LONDON TIMES. The bank, which has sponsored the club for 20 years, contacted Ulster Rugby CEO Shane Logan "over issues raised during the trial of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding." They were acquitted last month, "but neither has been allowed to return to the Ulster team pending a review," which is expected to conclude within two weeks. A spokesperson for Bank of Ireland confirmed that it "had spoken to the club," saying, "It is of paramount importance to Bank of Ireland that our sponsorship activity aligns with and supports our core values, and reflects positively on Bank of Ireland through association." A spokesperson for Ulster Rugby "would not comment" on whether the issue of sponsorship "would play a part in decisions about the players’ future." An online petition was launched last week for both men to be "reinstated to the Ulster Rugby squad as soon as possible" (LONDON TIMES, 4/12).
