In-form McCloskey keen to make most of Ireland chance

Stuart McCloskey is enjoying his run as a starting centre for Ireland and is keen to maintain his fine form in Andy Farrell's side.

In-form McCloskey keen to make most of Ireland chance

[Stuart McCloskey makes a break in Ireland's win over England]
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Stuart McCloskey played a key role in Ireland's 42-21 win over England in Twickenham

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI journalist

1 March 2026, 08:25 GMT

If perseverance and desire fuelled Stuart McCloskey when chasing down Marcus Smith in the closing stages of Ireland's 42-21 Six Nations win over England last week, it was perhaps a microcosm of his international career.

The 33-year-old centre made his Test debut at Twickenham during the 2016 edition as England claimed a 21-10 win on their way to a Grand Slam, but appearances during Joe Schmidt's reign as Ireland coach proved few and far between.

With Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw the preferred midfield partnership at that time, McCloskey found himself out of favour. Schmidt did not seem keen on the Ulster man who earned just two further caps during his tenure.

"Maybe we didn't see eye to eye" and "sometimes a player and coach just aren't on the same page" is how McCloskey reasons with that period, but Andy Farrell's arrival at the Irish helm following the 2019 World Cup presented a fresh slate.

McCloskey's performances for Ulster were eye-catching and he played his way into Ireland contention, despite filling the dreaded 24th man role more times than he would have preferred.

A run in the team during the 2022 autumn wins over South Africa, Fiji and Australia seemed to solidify a partnership with Garry Ringrose which carried into the next year's Six Nations with McCloskey starting against Wales, France and Italy.

However, injury ruled him out of the remaining games against Scotland and England as Ireland won the Grand Slam - and Aki seized his opportunity.

"It wasn't hard mentally as I thought I did pretty well," McCloskey says.

"Unfortunately I had the calf tear and Bundee came in. That was a straight swap and we saw what he did for those last two games which led into the World Cup.

"Back then it wasn't the done thing to put a 12 on the bench and Bundee was unbelievable during that World Cup cycle and was nominated for world player of the year.

"He was playing so well in the slot, so it was hard to get on the team and to get ahead of him you would need to be the best player in the world.

"I didn't think I was that, as I was resigned to just being here, working hard and wait for the opportunity."

[Stuart McCloskey in actin against England in 2016]
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McCloskey made his Test debut in the defeat by England in 2016

It has been a reversal of fortunes this time, with Aki suspended for the opening three games of Ireland's Six Nations campaign - opening the door for McCloskey to stake his claim once again.

While Ireland got off to a slow start with an emphatic defeat by France before surviving a scare against Italy, it all came together against England.

McCloskey was a key figure in that game, making line breaks, creating opportunities, putting in the hard yards which culminated in that last-ditch tackle on Smith, who seemed to be in the clear to salvage a four-try bonus point as a form of consolation for Steve Borthwick's team.

Racing back to make that challenge turned McCloskey into something of a viral sensation afterwards, giving him "a few laughs as there are some funny memes going about".

However, it was an incident during training on the Tuesday before the game when Farrell challenged him for not making the same effort which reminded him of the effort required at Test level.

"It wasn't like Andy went through us, but just pointed it out and a couple of us were still struggling with soreness from the weekend, but he was right.

"You've got to chase back every one and then subconsciously you'll know to do that, but any big game you chase and this time I just had the angle."

'Vindication for years of slogging it out'

Aki is back with the Ireland squad as they prepare for Friday's game against Wales in Dublin (20:10 GMT), but will he return to the starting line-up?

On current form, many will feel McCloskey deserves to retain his place and he is certainly hopeful he can continue to make the most of his chances in the green jersey.

"I've always said you have to enjoy the environment and even being the 24th man I enjoyed, but you always want the opportunity [to play] and over the last seven or eight months, I've had a good run at it," he said.

"I suppose [praise is] vindication for the years of slogging it out and not getting too much love. You've got to enjoy to as these things don't last forever.

"I'm 33 years old now and hopefully will play for another two or three years, but I'm enjoying the moment and hope this run of form continues for a while longer."

Related topics

• Ulster
• Irish Rugby
• Northern Ireland Sport
• Rugby Union
• Ireland Rugby Union

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