English rugby club release statement on Jackson and Olding signing rumours

Sale Sharks has released a statement following reports that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were set to sign with them.

The English rugby club has said that there is "no substance" to the rumours and that they are continuing to search for players. Jackson and Olding were found not guilty of rape in last month's Belfast trial, and Jackson was also acquitted of sexual assault. The former Ulster teammates both had their contracts with the IRFU revoked last month after a review into their conduct was concluded. Sale Sharks' statement read:

"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."

Jackson and Olding had both express their desire to return to rugby after their contracts were revoked.