He is a former Irish Rugby star who is trying to restore his image. Initially at the end of his contract this summer with Ulster, Jacob Stockdale was expected in France for the next seasons. Clearly, clubs such as Racing 92 or Lyon OR Rugby had shown a clear interest in him.
RUGBY. TRANSFER. Courted in the Top 14, Jacob Stockdale finds himself at a turning point in his career
However, the winger of the XV du Trèfle will not come to the Top 14 straight away. Indeed, the province of Northern Ireland and the player jointly announced the good news to supporters for Christmas: Jacob Stockdale extends two seasons in the boreal region of the Celtic island. He is now linked to his favorite team until 2027.
The player was happy at the idea of extending with Ulster. “I'm delighted to sign for the next two seasons here. I feel good about my game and the direction the team is going. There is a lot of excitement around the province with young players coming up. I enjoy my role as an experienced player in the team”, he declared in a press release.
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Jacob Stockdale, a crack in free fall
With this contract extension, it is the Top 14 which loses the opportunity to get its hands on an Irish international with 38 caps. Since his first selection in June 2017, Jacob Stockdale scored no less than 19 tries with the green tunic. At just 28 years old, he is the sixth highest try scorer in the history of the national team.
In addition, the Ulster winger made an impression during his first VI Nations Tournament in 2018. He had scored seven tries in five matchesthus setting a record in the professional era of rugby. On this occasion, the native of Lisburn won the title of best player of the Tournament in addition to having been a major architect of the Grand Slam of his selection.
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However, Jacob Stockdale's rating has dropped significantly since then, the fault of a serious ankle injury in 2021. Since then, New Zealander James Lowe has overtaken him in the hierarchy. Today, the Ulsterman is regularly called up for selection, but rarely appears on the match sheet. Initially called up to play in the 2023 World Cup, captain Keith Earls finally took his place as third winger.
With this contract extension, Jacob Stockdale certainly hopes to make his mark in the Irish group over the coming years, with the aim of the 2027 World Cup. This summer, he will also be able to benefit from the absence of some of his direct competitors, who will be retained with the British and Irish Lions.
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