Irish rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have both denied raping a woman at a house in Belfast last year.
Paddy is charged with rape and sexual assault, while Stuart is charged with two counts of rape in relation to an alleged incident on 28 June 2016 – however, the Ulster rugby stars have denied the charges.
In the first court hearing in Belfast, Stuart and Paddy’s lawyers confirmed that they want a hearing to test the strength of the prosecution’s case, and Stuart’s lawyer said he would submit that there was insufficient evidence for one of the charges.
Neither Paddy or Stuart appeared in court this morning, and the IRFU and Ulster Rugby have confirmed that the pair will not play again until the court process is over.
Not guilty? Paddy and Stuart have denied the rape allegations | INSTAGRAMÂ
Today, the court also heard that a number of films and photographs would form part of the case.
Two other men have also been charged in connection with the incident –Â Blane McIlroy has been charged with one count of exposure, while Rory Harrison has been charged with one count of withholding information and one count of perverting the course of justice.
Both men, who were arrested and questioned in June 2016, deny the charges.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall returned the case for mention on 6 September.
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