Rugby journalists covering the sport have written to Ulster Rugby seeking clarification of an email sent out claiming Ulster Rugby had consulted them before restricting a press conference that took place on Tuesday to just regular weekly attendees. Following the intense media interest in the wake of the trial involving Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, Ulster Rugby sent a statement to the Press Association (PA) claiming a decision to ban entry to some members of the press was taken because questions regarding Jackson and Olding negatively impacted the work of regular journalists. “Therefore, following consultation with regular press conference attendees, it was decided that access to this week’s event would be restricted to sport journalists only.”This has been disputed by the body of journalists, who number 11 and regularly cover the Ulster Rugby beat. They claim in the email sent to Ulster Rugby on Thursday that they were not formally consulted about the matter and that they would not agree to any decision taken that prevented other journalists from attending Ulster Rugby press conferences. Thursday’s email requested Ulster Rugby to reply before close of business.

Source: The Irish Times April 19, 2018 20:26 UTC