Paddy Jackson: Rugby player sacked by Ulster following rape trial signed by Perpignan

Ireland international has signed a two-year contract with the French club

Paddy Jackson has agreed a two-year deal with Perpignan after being sacked by Ulster (Getty)

Ireland international rugby player Paddy Jackson has agreed to join French side Perpignan next season to play in the Top 14, two months after being sacked by Ulster Rugby.

Jackson has agreed a two-year contract with Perpignan, who will play in the French top flight next season after securing promotion from Rugby Pro D2, with the 26-year-old following former Ulster teammate Stuart Olding in moving to France after he agreed to join Brive in the second tier last month.

Both Jackson and Olding, 25, were sacked by Ulster Rugby after a review of the Belfast rape trial earlier in the year. Both men were cleared of rape charges in March after they were accused of raping the same woman at a house party in 2017. Jackson was also found not guilty of sexual assault.

Despite being found not guilty, Jackson and Olding had their contracts with Ulster and the Irish Rugby Football Union cancelled, forcing them to pursue moves to clubs abroad. Sale Sharks had agreed a deal in principle to sign both players, but pulled out of the verbal agreement following a fierce backlash from their supporters.

Instead, they have joined clubs in France, and Perpignan released a statement on Friday morning to announce the acquisition of Jackson for the 2018/19 season who will add his “international experience” to the team, having made 25 test appearances for Ireland.

Christian Lanta, Perpignan's sporting director, said: “Paddy Jackson, in the tradition of Irish 10s, knows how to bring his individual qualities to benefit the collective; a proven kicker, a talented playmaker, Paddy can bring his international experience to the team.”

Stuart Olding will play for Brive in the French second division next season (Getty)

The IRFU decided to terminate their contracts following a review of Jackson’s and Olding’s court hearings, with the governing body also carrying out an “in-depth review of existing structures and educational programmes within the game in Ireland”.

The move is unlikely to lead to an international recall for Jackson even if he impresses in France as current head coach Joe Schmidt selects players who ply their trade in Ireland only, although he is able to select players based abroad should he have a change of heart in the future.