Stuart McCloskey has signed a new one-year contract extension with Ulster Rugby, keeping the Ireland international at the province until at least 2028.
Follow @RuckTransfers on Instagram for the latest rugby transfer news
The 33-year-old centre enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign for both Ulster and Ireland, establishing himself as one of the standout performers during Ireland’s Triple Crown-winning Guinness Six Nations campaign.
McCloskey’s performances earned him a place on the shortlist for the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. He led the tournament in try assists with six, dominant contacts with 18, turnovers won with eight, and minutes played.
Among the highlights of his championship was a quarterback-style pass that created Robert Baloucoune’s match-winning try against Italy at the Aviva Stadium. He also produced one of the defining moments of the tournament with a remarkable recovery tackle on Marcus Smith, preventing what appeared to be a certain try.
Ireland’s record-breaking victory over England at Twickenham further raised McCloskey’s profile, with French media dubbing the Bangor native “The Irish Fridge”.
A long-serving figure at Ulster, McCloskey has made 217 appearances for the province and is one match away from equalling Rory Best’s tally of 218 appearances, the third-highest total in Ulster’s history.
View this post on Instagram
He featured in 13 matches for Ulster last season and played a key role in the province’s run to the EPCR Challenge Cup final. His display in the semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs was among his standout performances before a hamstring injury sustained late in the second half brought his season to an end.
McCloskey’s form was recognised with several individual honours, including the 2025-26 Bank of Ireland Senior Men’s Player of the Year award, the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year award and the OCC Consulting Men’s 15s Players’ Player of the Year accolade at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.
Now back to full fitness, he is expected to feature in Ireland’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign this summer, with fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand scheduled for July.
Speaking after signing his new deal, McCloskey said:
“Ulster is my home and I’m delighted to have signed a new extension. I feel we are developing well as a team and showed last season that we can really compete against strong sides by getting to a European Final.
“There is some strong talent coming through here and playing with the lads on the international stage has given everyone a big lift.
“From a personal point of view, it’s been a whirlwind season and I’m feeling confident in where my game is at. I also feel I’ve surprised a few people who keep mentioning my age!
“I’m really enjoying my rugby and feel very motivated to achieve more over the next couple of seasons for both Ulster and Ireland.”
Ulster Rugby general manager Rory Best welcomed the extension and highlighted McCloskey’s importance to the squad.
“Securing Stuart for another season is a vital piece of business for us going forward. The past season has shown that he is getting better with his experience and aging like a fine wine!
“He is one of the top international centres in the world right now and he brings a very consistent level of performance each time he plays, with the ability to break the gain line and play others into space with his unique passing range.
“For our young centres coming through, he is someone that they can learn so much from.
“Stuart is a vital figure for us, and we are excited to see the impact he will bring for both Ulster and Ireland in the future.”
