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Rugby chiefs continue ban on news reporters amid rape trial fallout

Rugby bosses are sticking to their decision to ban news reporters from attending pre-match press conferences as the fallout from a recent rape trial continues.

News media have been barred by Ulster Rugby after apparently asking too many questions about the sacking of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, who were acquitted of rape following a high-profile trial last month.

The organisation says the conduct of news journalists at the first press conference after the acquittal “negatively impacted” the event.

But sports journalists have rejected Ulster Rugby claims that the move was made in consultation with them, with local rugby reporters insisting they did not request the ban on their news counterparts.

UlsterRugby

The latest row erupted after it emerged that the Press Association had been told its news reporters will be excluded from today’s press conference for the weekend match against Munster.

A PA news reporter was also turned away from a similar event last week.

A spokesman for Ulster Rugby said: “Ulster Rugby is contractually obliged by tournament organisers to deliver a match-week press conference that provides sports journalists with an opportunity to interview a coach and players regarding that week’s fixture.

“As previously stated, the conduct of news journalists at a recent press conference negatively impacted our ability to deliver a meaningful event that focused on rugby content.

“All media outlets are welcome to send staff who would regularly cover our press conferences and matches, as they have done in the past.

“News journalists interviewed Ulster Rugby’s chief executive following the outcome of the post-trial review, in order to allow the coaches and players to focus on on-pitch matters.”

A previous Ulster Rugby statement said the decision to restrict the media event to sports journalists was made “following consultation with regular press conference attendees”.

However the rugby reporters insisted they had not requested any ban, merely asked for a more structured format to ensure rugby matters were covered.

The ban has been branded “unacceptable” by the National Union of Journalists’ Irish secretary, Seamus Dooley.

He tweeted: “@UlsterRugby Your ban on news reporters/agencies attending media conferences is unacceptable. As Assistant Gen Sec of NUJ I would urge you to facilitate working journalists doing their job.”

Messrs Jackson and Olding were sacked ten days ago following an internal review into their conduct by Ulster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

While both men were found not guilty of rape last month, other aspects of their behaviour had been heavily criticised.

4 comments

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  • April 24, 2018 at 3:47 pm
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    For those wondering, yes a sports journalist did try to ask about the sackings at the last press conference and, according to the Belfast Tel, was shouted down by other sports reporters present and the question was never answered!

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  • April 24, 2018 at 5:30 pm
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    The sports reporters should be hauled over the coals by the papers editors. Too often during my 50 years as a journalist they cried out they were SPORTS reporters and all too often would not cover what they considered to be “news” events in case they “upset” the teams etc. I stress not all were like that but too often it happened. . No, they are journalists and should be prepared to write for any part of the paper. As for the clubs – they behave disgracefully and think they can dictate what goes into a paper or other media. Sticks in my throat. Far too cosy.

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  • April 24, 2018 at 5:31 pm
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    Add: Amazing that for once in my life I agree with the NUJ

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  • April 25, 2018 at 3:34 pm
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    Sports reporters who don’t like to tackle (geddit?) tough subjects to keep cosy with club seem a bit precious to me.
    But the club ban on news reporters is equally unhealthy for journalism.
    1-1 with another half to play I’d say.

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