Ulster Rugby has announced that Stuart McCloskey, the Irish centre, has signed a contract extension of two years with the club, thereby committing his future to Irish rugby at least until 2027. This move came despite interest from French clubs. McCloskey, a part of the Irish team that reached the quarter-finals in the previous year’s World Cup in France, is expected to make his 200th appearance for Ulster in the forthcoming season. The player was a crucial part of the Irish squad that clinched consecutive Six Nations Championships in 2023 and 2024.
McCloskey, who formerly played for Dungannon RFC, is known for his physicality and has become an elite ball carrier in the centre position. He made his debut for Ulster in February 2014. “I am thrilled about signing a new contract for the upcoming two years. The best phase of my rugby career is right now, and being one of the experienced ones in the team is something I’ve been enjoying,” expressed McCloskey, the 32-year-old from Bangor.
McCloskey further added, “Our team is full of talented players with a good balance between novices and veterans. It’s thrilling at the moment with a number of promising centres breaking through, who I am eager to mentor and help progress. The forthcoming season is something I am really driven and excited about.”
Bayonne was reportedly interested in McCloskey, and had they signed him, his career in Irish rugby would have come to an end. The announcement that McCloskey will stay on was made only days before Ulster’s home match against the current champions, Glasgow Warriors, in the United Rugby Championship.
Bryn Cunningham, Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations at Ulster Rugby, commented on the news saying, “This is incredibly positive for us. Stuart is among our heavily experienced international players and an exceptional team member. He is crucial for us both on and off the field. We foresee his leadership role expanding, especially given the number of emerging players in the Senior Men’s team. Stuart is an ideal role model for this upcoming talent.”