Jacob Stockdale

Jacob Stockdale is a prominent professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a wing, currently representing Ulster in the United Rugby Championship and the Ireland national team. His professional journey began when he joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2014-15 season, where he quickly made a mark by debuting for the senior team in January 2016. Stockdale’s early contributions included six appearances in his debut season, showcasing his potential and earning him a spot on the Ireland under-20 team for the 2016 Six Nations and World Championship.

Stockdale’s rise to prominence continued during the 2017-18 season, where he made 19 appearances for Ulster, scoring ten tries. His performance earned him recognition on the international stage, culminating in a memorable home debut for Ireland against South Africa, where he scored a try. His standout achievement came in the 2018 Six Nations Championship, where he set a tournament record with seven tries, earning him the Player of the Championship title and contributing to Ireland’s Grand Slam victory.

In subsequent seasons, Stockdale maintained his impressive form, consistently contributing to Ulster’s success with notable performances, including a total of 12 appearances and seven tries in the 2018-19 season. His international career flourished as he represented Ireland in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Six Nations Championship, further solidifying his status as a key player.

Despite facing challenges, including an ankle injury that sidelined him for the 2021-22 season, Stockdale’s resilience shone through as he made his 100th appearance for Ulster in the 2022-23 season. Recently, he was called up to the Ireland squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career. With numerous accolades, including the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year in 2018, Jacob Stockdale continues to be a vital asset to both Ulster and the Ireland national team.