Ulster Rugby is delighted to announce that Ireland international centre, Stuart McCloskey, has penned a new one-year contract extension, keeping him an Ulster jersey until at least 2028.
A key figure for both his province and national side, McCloskey has enjoyed a standout 2025-26 season, where his dominant midfield performances across Ireland’s Triple Crown winning Guinness Six Nations Championship campaign caught the attention of the rugby world.
The 33-year-old centre was shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship following his performances, leading the way for try assists (six), dominant contacts (18), turnovers won (8) and minutes played.
McCloskey showed the uniqueness of his offloading game, with a memorable quarter-back style pass out wide to Ulster wing, Robert Baloucoune, for his match-winning try against Italy at Aviva Stadium.
In one of the moments of the Championship, McCloskey shocked many with his turn of pace and sheer effort to track back and tackle Marcus Smith into touch when a try seemed a certainty.
The record-breaking Irish victory at Twickenham gained many new admirers, with French media coining the Bangor man as ‘The Irish Fridge’.
Those performances were no surprise to Ulster supporters, who have watched ‘Big Stu’ consistently perform in an Ulster jersey.
With 217 appearances for Ulster, the former Dungannon RFC player is on the verge of equalling the third most senior Ulster appearances ever (218) alongside former captain, Rory Best.
McCloskey played 13 matches for the province last season and was a pivotal figure as the province reached the EPCR Challenge Cup Final.
His semi-final performance against PREM finalists, Exeter Chiefs, was another standout, before a hamstring injury late in the second half ended his season.
He picked up several individual awards in recognition of his season, including the 2025/26 Bank of Ireland Senior Men’s Player of the Year, the 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.
Back fit again, McCloskey will turn his focus to Ireland’s inaugural Nations Championship this summer, with tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July.
Commenting on the news, 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’s General Manager, Rory Best added:
“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.”