Ulster Rugby and Ireland winger Craig Gilroy has issued a statement to “apologise unreservedly” for a WhatsApp message sent in July 2016 that was revealed in evidence in the rape trial that concluded in Belfast last week which saw fellow players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding acquitted.
Gilroy, 27, from Bangor in County Down, identified in evidence as CG, was revealed to have used offensive terms about women in a private conversation with Stuart Olding.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Gilroy said that he “would like to apologise unreservedly for any offence caused” by the message and though he clarified that it was sent privately, he said it was “totally inappropriate” and “not an accurate reflection of my beliefs nor Ulster Rugby’s values”.
Gilroy said that he takes full responsibility for his actions and “in future will ensure the language I use in private or public better reflects who I am and what I stand for”. “I am deeply sorry for the hurt my comment has caused,” Gilroy added. Here is the statement in full
— Craig Gilroy (@cgilroy14) 3 April 2018
Ulster Rugby and the IRFU say Gilroy will not be available for the provinces game against Edinburgh in the Pro 14.
The winger is also set to be the subject of an investigation by his employers with the emergence of a joint statement confirming that he is to be sidelined in the interim.
“Ulster Rugby and the IRFU confirm that, as Craig Gilroy is subject to an internal review, he will not be available for selection this weekend.”
They playing futures of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding remain unclear in the fallout from the court case which has prompted an island wide debate on the issue of consent.
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