STUART MCCLOSKEY EXTENDS ULSTER CONTRACT TO 2028

Stuart McCloskey has agreed a one-year contract extension with Ulster that will keep him at the province until the end of the 2027-28 season. The centre, 33, produced dominant midfield performances during the 2025-26 season that helped Ireland secure the Triple Crown in the Six Nations. McCloskey was shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship award following his displays.

McCloskey made 13 appearances for Ulster during the 2025-26 campaign and helped the province reach the European Challenge Cup final. He suffered a hamstring injury during the semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs and missed the final defeat by Montpellier. With 217 appearances for Ulster, McCloskey is close to matching Rory Best's record of 218 senior Ulster appearances, the third highest in the province's history.

McCloskey stated that Ulster was his "home" and expressed confidence after a "whirlwind season". He will focus on Ireland's inaugural Nations Championship this summer, which includes Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July. Rory Best, Ulster's general manager, described the contract extension as "vital piece of business" and noted that McCloskey is "one of the top international centres in the world right now" with the ability to mentor younger players at the province.