Rounding-off a week of extension announcements ahead of the 2023/24 season, John Cooney is the latest Ulster player to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract.
One of the finest kickers in World Rugby, the 32-year-old scrum half continues to perform at the highest level for Ulster - with 959 points for the province to his name to-date - and is currently the club’s leading points-scorer in the BKT United Rugby Championship this season.
Since arriving in Belfast back in 2017, when the Dublin native scored his first try for the club against the Southern Kings on South African soil, Cooney has gone on to be involved in numerous significant Ulster wins over the years, including against the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg and the Cell C Sharks in Durban this season, which is a first for any club in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Off the field, Cooney was awarded the URC’s inaugural Difference Maker award for volunteering with Belfast Central Mission’s befriending service at the end of last year.
With over 100 points already racked-up in this season, Cooney, reflects on what Ulster Rugby means to supporters of the club on the news of his contract extension:
“When we’re playing a match, there will be countless fans who are away and on their holidays, but their day will revolve around which Irish pub they can go to watch us play. That’s insane. How can I not give 100% all the time. That’s how important this club is to our people. That’s special!”
Joining Cooney in signing-on for at least another two years is 27-year-old homegrown winger, Jacob Stockdale, who will continue to pull on the Ulster jersey until at least 2025.
The flying winger is back to form after being ruled out of the majority of last season because of long-term injury. A trademark chip and chase try against Cardiff Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship, and an exemplary 50:22 when Vodacom Bulls recently came to Kingspan Stadium, announced his return to action.
Most recently, he was included in Ireland’s 2023 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam-winning Ireland side, and has lived-up to his promise since being named the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Player of the Year back in 2014.
On staying with his home province, Stockdale, said:
“I’m excited for the seasons ahead, and to continue to be a part of a great team of players and support staff. We have big ambitions as a squad, and I look forward to the next couple of years together.”
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“It’s great that John and Jacob see their futures as being with Ulster in the years ahead.
“John is a top-class, experienced player who can be relied upon not only for his point-scoring ability, but also for his outstanding game management skills.
“Jacob is a dynamic player, who continues to showcase his stand-out speed and skill in the backline, and I’ve no doubt that both will continue to significantly contribute to our squad and ambitions to secure silverware.”