Sale Sharks issue statement on Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding links

Sale Sharks have moved to distance themselves from reports linking former Ulster players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding to the Premiership club.

Jackson and Olding were both dismissed from Ulster last month following a joint review conducted by the province and the IRFU. Both players are now seeking new contracts abroad but have had their employment searches rebuffed twice already with last season's Champions Cup finalists Clermont and reigning Aviva Premiership champions the Exeter Chiefs both distancing themselves from links to the players. Sale have now become the third club since their dismissal from Ulster to distance themselves from the Ireland internationals with the club declaring that there is no substance to the rumours. A club statement read: "Sale Sharks can confirm there is no substance to the rumours currently circulating in relation to the signing of the two international rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding. Our search continues for top class players to bolster the squad for next season."