Jacob Stockdale: Ireland winger signs new two-year deal with Ulster
Ireland winger Jacob Stockdale has signed a new two-year contract with Ulster, keeping him at the club until 2027, ending speculation over his future.
This 28-year-old man had Related to moving to Francebut he has committed his future to the Belfast-based club until the end of this World Cup cycle.
Stockdale has had a strong season in 2023-24, trying nine out of 16 Rugby United Championship games, adding three more this season to help him return to action in last month’s Autumn Nations Series win over Fiji. Return to Ireland.
The 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam winner and Player of the Tournament has made 127 appearances for Ulster since joining the team in 2016.
“I’m delighted to be signing here for the next few seasons,” said Stockdale, who has 38 caps for Ireland.
“I’m happy with the shape of my game and the direction the team is going. There’s a lot of excitement around with the younger players coming through and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.”
Stockdale has not played for Ulster since returning from Ireland on October 18 with what club manager Richie Murphy described as a “serious” hamstring injury.
Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham said: “Given Jacob’s importance in the squad, it is vital for us to secure his future. “Given his talent and special skills, it’s great to hear “It’s not surprising that other places are interested in his signature.”
“We believe we are seeing Jacob return to the form he was in before his long-term ankle injury a few years ago. He has shown tremendous resilience and effort to return to that level of strength and fitness.
“Fit and confident, Jacob is one of the deadliest wingers in rugby and we feel the next few seasons will see him reach the peak of his career, both with Ulster and in the green jersey on the international stage ”
Stockdale is the latest in a series of Ulster contract extensions in recent weeks, with Ben Carson and Mike Lowry also extending their contracts. Ireland sevens star Zak Ward has also signed a three-year contract with the province after a successful trial period.
