Ulster have secured a major coup by re-signing one of their own players, tying in-demand centre Stuart McCloskey down to a new two-year contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Despite being under contract until the end of the current campaign, the Ireland international was the subject of intense speculation around his future towards the end of last season, with French sides Bayonne and Montpellier reportedly heavily interested in securing McCloskey’s services.
However, the ‘Bangor Bulldozer’ opted to see out the final year of his existing deal and has now agreed to prolong his stay at Ravenhill for another two years beyond that, taking his association with his home province to at least 13 years.
McCloskey, 32, has been capped 18 times by Ireland and has scored four tries for his country, with his abrasive style of play considered to be the focal point of Ulster’s attack.
Formerly of Dungannon RFC, the Bangor man made his Ulster debut against the Newport-Gwent Dragons as an Academy player in February 2014 and quickly established himself in the senior squad, earning his first Ireland cap against England in the 2016 Six Nations.
He has since gone on to become an ever-present in the province’s line-up, being named in the PRO14’s Dream Team in back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020, while he was also part of the Ireland squad at the 2023 World Cup as they reached the Quarter-Finals.
“This is fantastic news for us as we get ready for the new season. Stuart is one of our most experienced international players in our squad, and a standout member of the team,” said Ulster’s head of recruitment and rugby operations Bryn Cunningham.
“Being a key presence for us, not only on the pitch, but off it as well, we see his current leadership role really growing and evolving, particularly with so many young players in and around the senior men’s squad. Stuart will be a great role model for this talent coming through.
“We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future for the next couple of seasons, as we hope to see this team continue to progress in the months ahead.”
On the new deal, McCloskey, added: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years. I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.
“We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.
“I’m really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward.”