IRELAND AND ULSTER CENTRE Stuart McCloskey has claimed that he feared his chance to play in another Six Nations game was not going to happen.
The Ulster player got his first cap against England in 2016 Six Nations at Twickenham under former Irish head coach Joe Schmidt, but has had to bide his time for a second cap.
McCloskey, who has been in fine form for Ulster over the years has managed to make his way back into the Ireland camp and even started in the 34-10 win over the Welsh in the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
When asked if he ever lost hope in getting a second cap in an Irish jersey, the Ulster man said, "It’s nice to get that monkey off my back," he said.
“There were definitely times in those seven years when I didn’t think I would ever get another game.
The Bangor native was set to play against France in the 2020 Six Nations, but due to Covid that second cap never came to suffice.
“I was pretty close just before Covid hit. I was in the team on the Monday to play France before Covid hit and I thought that was a chance I probably wouldn’t get again," he added.
“I’ve been playing well, it’s not like I haven’t been playing well in the last seven years, for club, so I thought if I just kept persevering, digging in, that eventually I would get a chance.
Bundee Aki scores Ireland’s try (Image: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Ireland's centre options of Leinster's Robbie Henshaw, Gary Ringrose and the likes of Connacht's Bundee Aki have become regular starters for their country and have kept the 30-year-old out of the side. He also admitted that he couldn't complain about the options starting for Ireland at the time.
Henshaw not being in the squad and Aki's lack of game for Connacht has now opened the door for McCloskey to start against Wales and his chances to play against France this weekend have also increased.
“The two guys did brilliantly when they were in there so I couldn’t really overly complain too much, they were both starting for the Lions at one stage, and they were playing at 12 ahead of me.
“I can’t say it hasn’t been hard at times.
“There have been times when I was disheartened.
“I was playing well; I wasn’t getting picked but I didn’t have a leg to stand on because the lads were playing really well and Ireland were winning.
“It was probably the best period of Irish rugby.”
McCloskey could start in Ireland's game against France starts at 14.15pm Irish time this Saturday.
Ireland's team will be announced later on in the week.
