Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract with Ulster, keeping him at the club until 2027.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to France but has committed his future to the Belfast-based club during the current World Cup.
Stockdale has enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season with nine tries in 16 United Rugby Championship matches and has added three tries this season, leading to his Ireland return to action in the Autumn Nations Series win over Fiji last month.
The 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam winner and Player of the Tournament made 127 appearances for Ulster, having joined the team in 2016.
“I’m delighted to have signed here for next season,” said Stockdale, who made 38 appearances for Ireland.
“I feel good about where my game is and where this team is headed. There’s a lot of excitement around me with the young guys coming up and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced guys on the team.”
Stockdale has not played for Ulster since 18 October, when he returned from Ireland duty with what the club’s manager Richie Murphy described as a “significant” hamstring injury.
Ulster sporting director Bryn Cunningham said: “Securing Jacob’s future is key for us given his importance to the team. Given his talent and special skills, it is surprising to hear interest in his signature from elsewhere. It’s not work.”
“We believe we are seeing Jacob return to the form he had before sustaining a long-term ankle injury a few years ago. He has shown tremendous resilience and effort to regain that level of strength and fitness.
“Fit and confident, Jacob is one of the most lethal wingers in rugby and I think we will see the peak of his career in the green jersey both for Ulster and on the international stage over the next few seasons.”
Stockdale is the latest in a string of Ulster contract extensions in recent weeks, with Ben Carson and Mike Lowry also extending their contracts. Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward has also signed a three-year contract with the club after a successful trial period.
