Craig Gilroy suspended until April 26

Ulster and the Irish Rugby Union have suspended Craig Gilroy until April 26 for his role in the Paddy Jackson-Stuart Olding saga.

Gilroy sent an explicit message to Olding the day after he and Jackson were alleged to have raped the same woman.

Despite being acquitted of the charges by a court of law, Jackson and Olding were earlier on Saturday sacked indefinitely by the club after an internal review.

Gilroy will be unavailable for next weekend’s clash with Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium but will return for the Ulster’s final regular season fixture against Munster at Thomond Park the following weekend.

“Following a review of a text message sent by Craig Gilroy, the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have sanctioned him, following a disciplinary process in accordance with the terms of his contract,” read a statement on the Irish Rugby Union’s official website.

“Craig will be unavailable for team selection until 26th April 2018.”