ONE of the most prominent sponsors of Ulster Rugby has been "in contact" with the team in the wake of the shocking revelations about the conduct of two senior players which emerged during the course of the rape trial.
Thousands of protesters have staged rallies in cities and towns across Ireland demanding reform of the justice system in dealing with sex offence cases.
Widespread disgust has been expressed at the tone of WhatsApp messages about young women exchanged between the defendants.
A spokeswoman for BT said the company, which is a major sponsor of the team, is monitoring the internal review which is being carried out by the club into the conduct of its players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.
"As a sponsor of the team, we have been in contact with Ulster Rugby," she said.
"We note that the players concerned will continue to be relieved of all duties, while the IRFU and Ulster Rugby internal review is underway, and we await the findings."
BT's four-year sponsorship with Ulster Rugby ends next year.
Meanwhile, Bank of Ireland, another key sponsor, said it "will not be making any comment on this matter at this time".
International Ulster Rugby players had previously credited the Christian, family-orientated reputation of the club with keeping them in Northern Ireland.
Sources say recent events have caused tension in the changing room at Kingspan, where many of the players remain devout Christians and are said to be concerned at the WhatsApp messages revealed during the trial.
Fellow Ulster Rugby players Rory Best, Iain Henderson, Craig Gilroy and Kyle McCall all attended court on day two of the trial.
The WhatsApp messages read to the court, in which the men used derogatory language to describe the women in their company, is expected to form part of the hearing to establish if they breached the terms of their employment contract.
Read More
- Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding found not guilty of rape
- Online comments made by juror after verdict to be investigated
- Paddy Jackson suing Senator Aodhán Ó Riordáin following social media comments
- Allison Morris: There were even giggles in the public gallery as graphic details of alleged rape were read out (Premium)
- Alleged victim's name was posted on comments section of an online news site
- Relatives clasped each others' hands and openly wept as verdicts delivered
- Victims' support group calls for review into how trials are conducted
- Allison Morris: I have two daughters and would not encourage them to go through retraumatising rape trial (Premium)
- One of the most expensive rape trials in UK judicial history
- 'I Believe Her' rallies planned across Ireland
- Ireland rugby captain Rory Best's decision to attend court on day two of the rape trial provoked a storm of criticism
- About the rugby rape trial judge Patricia Smyth
- PSNI says woman at centre of trial 'upset and disappointed' at verdict
- Paddy Jackson's lawyers say status as famous sportsman 'drove the decision to prosecute'
- Paddy Jackson's lawyers call for crackdown on 'vile' social media commentary during criminal proceedings
- Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding 'will continue to be relieved of all duties' as review takes place
- Stuart Olding faces major battle to return to pinnacle of his sport
- Paddy Jackson had unwavering support from his parents
- Stuart Olding: I deeply regret events of that evening... I am sorry for the hurt caused to the complainant
- Blane McIlroy admitted being prone to exaggeration
- Rory Harrison had been working in Australia before he flew home to stand trial
- Video: Paddy Jackson thanks judge and jury for fair trial
- Public Prosecution Service: 'Ultimately right' rugby rape case was brought to trial
