Our thanks to Sean for this. The start of the piece:

Two Irish rugby stars are due in court later today to face rape charges. Paddy Jackson (25) and Stuart Olding (24) strenuously deny the offences, which were alleged to have been committed against the same woman in Belfast last June.

Olding, of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with two counts of rape. Jackson, of Oakleigh Park in the city, is charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have said Jackson and Olding will not play again until the court process concludes. [J4MB: In plain English, they’re regarded as guilty until and unless they manage to ‘prove’ to a jury that they’re innocent.]

Given the length of time proceedings take in Northern Ireland, it is likely both will miss the entirety of the coming season at the very least.

If everyone who read this gave us just £1 – or even better, £1 monthly – we could change the world. Click here to make a difference. Thanks.