EXCLUSIVE: Paddy Jackson signed for Sale before the outcry

By Neil Fissler

SALE SHARKS could be looking at a huge compensation bill if they pull out of deals to sign Ireland internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

Jackson and Olding have been seeking for new clubs after having their contracts with Ulster and the Irish Rugby Union ripped up despite being cleared of rape.

The Rugby Paper understands fly-half Jackson has signed the heads of terms on a three-year deal to move to Greater Manchester this summer.

The Sharks offered the 26-year-old, who has won 25 international caps, £320,000 in the first year rising to £330,000 in the second then £340,000 in the third and final.

We believe centre Olding has verbally agreed a two-year deal but have been unable to establish that heads of terms have been signed.

The 25-year-old, who has four Ireland caps, was offered £130,000 plus £500 per start in year one rising to £160,000 plus £500 per start in the second and final.

A well placed source has confirmed that Jackson and Olding were both at the Sharks’ Carrington training base last Wednesday.

Ironically, the Sharks denied that they were interested in the pair just as they were leaving the building after being given a guided tour.

The plan was for the club to get their final game of the season against Leicester Tigers out of the way then make an announcement this week.

But a social media outcry, and concern from sponsors, season ticket holders as well as the local MP could force them into trying to find a way out.

A leading agent has warned, however, that backing out after heads of terms have been signed could become very costly.

“Clubs could make their case to back out but if a player pushed it they could get compensation. Certainly if it was me I’d be asking for the contract to be fully paid,” he said.

The Rugby Paper tried to contact Jackson and Olding’s agent for a comment but he declined to return our calls.

This article originally featured in The Rugby Paper’s 6 May 2018 edition. Subscribe: www.bit.ly/TRP-Sub

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Tagged Paddy Jackson, Sale, Sale Sharks