Ulster have confirmed that Ireland international centre Stuart McCloskey has signed a new two-year contract extension which means he is committed to the United Rugby Championship outfit until at least 2027.
The 32-year-old has spent his entire professional career at Ulster and is on course to make his 200th appearance for the province during the upcoming season.
A regular in Ireland‘s Test set-up where he has made 18 Test appearances, McCloskey has been a key member of head coach Andy Farrell’s squad that has won back-to-back Six Nations Championships in 2023 and 2024.
He also played his part in Ireland reaching the quarter-final stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Made his Ulster debut in 2014
McCloskey made his Ulster debut in February 2014 – and has developed into an elite ball carrier, with strong attacking qualities.
Ulster Rugby’s head of recruitment and rugby operations, Bryn Cunningham is delighted that they have retained McCloskey’s services.
“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.
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“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.”
McCloskey is looking forward to continuing his career at Ulster.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years,” he said.
“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.
‘Exciting times around the place
“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.”