Jacob Stockdale believes the future is bright after agreeing an extension to his IRFU contract, which will see him stay at Ulster until the end of the 2022-23 season.
After making a try-scoring Ireland debut against USA in 2017, Stockdale has gone from strength to strength on the internationally stage, with the highlight being his seven tries and Player of the Championship award as Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2018.
The 23-year-old also starred as Ireland achieved a first home win over New Zealand in November 2018, and his new deal is a boost for both province and country.
“I am delighted to have signed an IRFU contract,” Stockdale said.
“I am involved with two ambitious squads and I know I will continue to develop as a player in both environments.
“Things have been going really well at Ulster and there are exciting things happening in the Ireland set-up.”
David Nucifora, the IRFU performance director, was also excited by the prospect of having Stockdale within the Ireland set-up for years to come, with his talent lighting up the international stage.
“Jacob has continued to grow as a player after bursting onto the scene in his debut Six Nations season,” said Nucifora.
“He has performed at a consistently high level for both Ireland and Ulster and has huge potential to develop further on the international stage.”
Stockdale has scored 16 tries for Ireland in his 26 appearances to date, and with the extension of another three years, he will be looking to add to that tally, starting with the clash with Wales in Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday.
