A 2018 Grand Slam winner with Ireland won’t be lining out in the fourth division of Irish rugby following negative reaction to his recent signing.
Chris Farrell had been lined up to represent Clogher Valley, who play in the Division 2B of the All-Ireland League.
However, it emerged that the Ulster branch was working with the IRFU to prevent his registration, and it has now been confirmed that the 32-year-old won’t be involved with the Fivemiletown club that he originally started playing rugby with as a teenager in Co Tyrone.
Farrell, who played for Ireland under Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell, is still serving a sentence for failing to prevent a gang rape involving three Grenoble players in 2017 prior to his move to Munster.
The centre received a four-year sentence in December 2024, with two suspended, that required him to remain in France and wear an electronic tag for two years.
“At odds with the values of our sport…”
It followed a trial that ended with Farrell’s then teammates Denis Coulson, Loick Jammes and Rory Grice being found guilty of rape, with Farrell and Dylan Hayes prosecuted for failing to prevent the crime.
Ahead of the trial, Farrell was released from his Munster contract in March 2023, months after he was initially stood down from selection. He soon joined Oyonnax, but they sacked him in January 2025 after the trial verdict had emerged in Bordeaux.
Farrell was pictured on Clogher Valley’s social media last July following his participation in a touch rugby tournament, but moves to register him for the first-team, who are four matches into this season’s Division 2B campaign, have now ended after Ulster raised safeguarding concerns.
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A statement, reported by media in Northern Ireland, read: “Regarding Clogher Valley RFC, Ulster Rugby has been liaising with the IRFU to prevent the registration of the intended player, who is not currently being fielded or involved in the club’s set-up.
“This reflects our strong opposition to any involvement in rugby by individuals whose actions are fundamentally at odds with the values of our sport.
“All clubs in the province operate as independent entities, but they are required to comply with the IRFU’s safeguarding and player welfare policies, which include obligations around vetting and reporting concerns.
“Access NI checks are mandatory for individuals in regulated roles involving children and vulnerable adults.
“While Ulster Rugby does not appoint or approve coaches and players at independent clubs, we expect all clubs to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
“At management level we are also taking steps to strengthen our regulatory framework, enhancing our ability to take decisive action against individuals who breach the values of our game.”
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