Paddy Jackson, the controversial former Ulster and Ireland fly-half, has signed a two-year deal with the French side Perpignan.
Jackson had been seeking employment after his contract with Ulster and the Ireland Rugby Football Union had been terminated following his acquittal on rape charges in April. He had been linked with another French club, Clermont Auvergne, and it was reported that he had agreed a move to Sale last month only for the Premiership club seemingly to backtrack amid fierce criticism.
Perpignan, however, have confirmed the 26-year-old’s signing. The seven-times French champions were promoted back to the Top 14 at the end of last season having spent four years in the second division. The club’s sporting director, Christian Lanta, said: “Paddy Jackson, in the tradition of Irish 10s, knows how to bring his individual qualities to benefit the collective. He is a proven kicker and a talented playmaker. Paddy can bring his international experience to the team.”
Jackson, who has 25 Ireland caps, and his former team-mate Stuart Olding had been accused of raping the same woman at a party in Belfast in 2016. Despite their acquittal the pair had their contracts terminated after a review into their behaviour.
The trial, which took place at Belfast Crown Court, brought to light a number of sexually explicit and misogynistic messages, and the verdict sparked widespread protests in Northern Ireland. There were also counter protests from those who felt that both Jackson and Olding were being unfairly treated by Ulster and the IRFU, having been acquitted by a court of law.
When it was thought Jackson was due to sign for Sale there was similar opposition in the north-west, including from a local MP. Sale were also reported to be keen on signing Olding but he signed for the French second-tier club Brive last month on a two‑year deal.
Meanwhile Wasps have announced the re-signing of the South Africa back‑row Nizaam Carr on a permanent basis. The 27-year-old impressed in a three-month spell with Wasps as injury cover last season and returns for the new campaign.