Stuart McCloskey has signed a one-year contract extension with Ulster, committing to the province until the end of the 2027-28 season. The 33-year-old Ireland centre had an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, earning a shortlist spot for the Six Nations Player of the Championship after helping Ireland claim the Triple Crown.
McCloskey made 13 appearances for Ulster last season, playing a key role in their run to the European Challenge Cup final. However, a hamstring injury sustained in the semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs forced him to miss the final defeat to Montpellier. Now fully recovered, he is set to feature in Ireland's inaugural Nations Championship this summer against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
With 217 caps for Ulster, McCloskey is closing in on Rory Best's third-place record of 218 appearances. Expressing his delight, McCloskey said: "Ulster is my home. I feel we are developing well as a team and showed last season that we can compete with strong sides. I'm really enjoying my rugby and feel motivated to achieve more."
Ulster general manager Rory Best hailed the extension as "vital business," adding: "He is one of the top international centres in the world right now. He brings consistent performance, breaks the gain line, and creates space with his unique passing range. For our young centres, he is a great role model."