TWICE-CAPPED IRELAND centre Stuart McCloskey has been signed to a new three-year contract with his native province Ulster.
The Bangor man, who broke on the scene with an immensely powerful ball-carrying threat in 2015, has played 82 times for Ulster. Thanks to the lengthy list of departures from the province’s back-line resources, he is now among the older voices outside the pack despite having just turned 26.
“We have quite a young squad so having experienced players like Stuart on board is hugely important,” says Ulster director of operations Bryn Cunningham.
“Stu has really grown in stature over the past couple of seasons and is a key figure for us in both attack and defence. His ability to cross the gain-line is well known, but his playmaking abilities have developed under the coaching of Dwayne Peel and he is a massive threat with ball in hand. I’m sure we’ll see him improve even more in the seasons ahead.”
McCloskey’s new contract will keep him with the northern province until 2022 and the centre says he is keen to see the team progress under Dan McFarland.
McCloskey makes a break during his second cap against Fiji in November. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
“We’ve recruited strongly and have a core group of experienced players who still have their best years ahead of them. We also have a large number of promising young players coming through the system, and I’ve no doubt that they will make a big impact in the coming years.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how things come together for us as we aim to bounce back to where we belong. Hopefully the supporters can buy into that as well and we can reward their loyalty.”
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