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.
“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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With the right coaching he could make the WC squad. You could see the return to form in the last few games of last season. Needs to hit the ground running though.
@Kingshu: he’s unreal when he get’s a run of form in fairness to the man. Think he’s been harshly treated by Schmidt in the past but with the options they have in the center for Ireland, he’d need to be man of the match every game he plays this season just to get a look in.
He’s a monster when he ball carries. Ulster tying him in to a contract is great bit of business. Should have more Irish caps soon hopefully
Most underrated centre in the country in my opinion
@Rudiger McMonihan: Very underrated. Got the “bulldozer” reputation very early in his career and no matter how good his ball skills got, couldn’t shake the reputation. Thought he was the better of the two against Fiji- despite Farrell being retained for the next game (Not to knock Farrell- also a very good player).
I don’t think Schmidt is likely to include him past extended squads, though. Joe values the chop tackle in the midfield and McCloskey is a (very effective) choke tackler who has a hard time getting low. Unless he adds that, I just don’t see him getting a proper look from Ireland.
@Neil Dunn: the one thing I can think of is that JS is very serious about players doing their homework and having the right mentality. There have been a few players over the years that people complained about not getting a shot, so that’s my guess as to why they were dropped. Players like McCloskey and OHalloran, that have all the skill and were in the squad at one point, but no longer get called on
@Rudiger McMonihan: I can’t rule it out, but would be hard to know without being in the environment.
In any event, he certainly brings plenty of talent and ability to the table for Ulster every week. I’ll happily have him in the Ulster side every week if he is overlooked by Ireland for whatever reason.
@Rudiger McMonihan: he’s been injuried at unlucky times, then under Kiss’s defence systems no Ulster back looked good and struggled. When kiss left and Panye took over the defense you could see the improvenmet in the backs and last few games last season himself and Marahall were beinging to look back to thier best. Its a pity Marshall got injuried as he is one of the most narurally talanted centers in Ireland.
He probably won’t make the squad depending on injuries. He’s looked better recently but sometimes when you watch him you get frustrated. ( much better than scannell )
Good enough for Ulster but not for Ireland
One trick pony
@Mark Smith: if you say so. The one trick he has that (regrettably) very few Irish players have is the natural ability to offload consistently and accurately beyond the tackle. Imagine the damage Ringrose would do running onto a pass like that into space. Time will tell.