Rory Best has refused to comment on his attendance at the trial for alleged rape against rugby player Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding on Wednesday.
Speaking at his Captain’s Run press conference at the Stade de France this morning, the Ireland captain declined to comment on his presence at the trial, and refused to comment on whether the IRFU had any prior knowledge of his attendance at Belfast Crown Court.
According to the Irish Independent, when Rory was asked why he attended the trial, he replied, “No I have no comment.”
When asked whether he had been given permission from the IRFU, he added, “No comment.”
Ireland & Ulster captain Rory Best turning up to court this morning for trial of two team-mates accused of rape. pic.twitter.com/Y6Sfea0bQE
— Jack Horgan-Jones (@JackHoJo) January 31, 2018
The rugby star was also asked if he was aware of the social media storm his attendance had caused, but an IRFU spokesperson interrupted and said, “Sorry, we’re not going to react to comments on social media. We’re here to comment on the game. Keep it game focused.”
Rory was pictured arriving at the Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, alongside fellow Irish rugby star Iain Henderson and Ulster player Craig Gilroy.
Paddy Jackson (26) and Stuart Olding (24) have been accused of raping a woman, who was 19 at the time, on 28 June 2016 at Paddy’s home in Belfast. Both men deny the rape charges.
The young woman, who cannot be named to protect her identity, gave evidence in court for the first time earlier this week.
Taking to the stand, the woman reportedly broke down as she recalled the night of the alleged rape.
A third man, former Ulster Academy player Blane McIlroy, is also charged with indecent exposure, while ex-UCD and Belfast Harlequins player Rory Harrison is accused of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
All four deny the charges.
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