'Ulster is my home and I'm delighted' - Stuart McCloskey celebrates contract extension
Stuart McCloskey has celebrated his one-year contract extension by declaring “Ulster is my home and I’m delighted".
Ulster Rugby have confirmed the fresh terms to keep Ireland international centre McCloskey until 2028.
“Ulster is my home and I’m delighted to have signed a new extension,” said 33-year-old McCloskey. “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.”
McCloskey’s 2025/26 campaign featured performances which attracted praise across Ireland’s Triple Crown-winning Six Nations Championship.
Last season’s form across 13 fixtures helped Ulster reach the European Challenge Cup final, with his own club season cut short by hamstring injury in the semi-finals.
The deal allows former Dungannon player McCloskey an opportunity to build on his tally of 217 displays with Ulster – one behind that of former captain and current general manager Rory Best in third on the all-time appearances list.
“Securing Stuart for another season is a vital piece of business for us going forward,” said Best. “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.”
Individual prizes in recognition of his club consistency included 2025/26 Bank of Ireland Senior Men’s Player of the Year, URSC (Ulster Rugby Supporters’ Club) Player of the Year and the OCC Consulting Men's 15s Players' Player of the Year at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.
He was shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship award after leading the way for try assists (six), dominant contacts (18), turnovers won (eight) and minutes played.
McCloskey’s focus will be on the Nations Championship next month and an inaugural appearance by Ireland across games with Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July.