THE rugby world has united in tribute to Bangor’s Stuart McCloskey following his stellar performances which helped Ireland win the Triple Crown at the weekend.
The Ulster centre played all 400 minutes of the five matches in this year’s Six Nations Championship – matched only by captain Caelan Doris – earning the plaudits of commentators, coaches and players.
On the fringes for many years, the 33 year-old seized his chance in the autumn internationals when injuries forced coach Andy Farrell to turn to the powerful North Down man – and he hasn’t looked back since.
At the end of the Six Nations campaign McCloskey led Ireland in carries (74), offloads (eight), try assists (six), defenders beaten (20) and post-contact metres (105).
It led to him being named by every pundit, including some of the greats of the game, in their best championship team in which the best players from all six nations are chosen for one dream team.
His consistent performances even prompted Wales great Sam Warburton to predict that had there been a British and Irish Lions tour this summer, McCloskey would have been a nailed down selection.
After the first game when Ireland lost to France, McCloskey earned the respect of the tough French rugby media who gave him the nickname ‘The Irish Fridge’. Closer to home, his former club echoed that tribute, naming him ‘The Bangor Bulldozer’ in an effusive social media post.
Bangor Rugby Club said McCloskey has moved from the pitches of Bangor to the ‘biggest stage in Northern hemisphere rugby’ doing ‘his thing’ in the Six Nations.
“Seeing a Bangor RFC man crashing over gain lines and flying the flag for Ireland never gets old,” said the club’s post.
“It’s a huge source of pride for everyone connected with the club – from our senior squad to our youth teams and right down to the minis who are just starting their rugby journey.
“Stuart’s hard work, determination and no-nonsense running style are a reminder of what can come from the Bangor pitches with enough dedication, and maybe a bit of Bulldozer power thrown in for good measure.
“The whole club is incredibly proud of you, Stuart. You’re a brilliant inspiration to the next generation coming through the ranks at Bangor RFC.”
McCloskey himself said he always felt he wasn’t too far away from being selected, even when Robbie Henshaw and Bundie Aki seemed immoveable parts of the Irish set-up.
“I backed my ability that I still thought I had it and was a pretty good player,” he said. “
“Testament to Faz (Farrell) who kept me wanting to do it, it’s easy for lads to get disheartened when not playing but it was a good environment to be in.”
