\n<\/p>\n
McCloskey did not play representative rugby while at Bangor Grammar and was not offered a place in the Ulster Rugby Academy after leaving school.<\/p>\n
Instead, he caught the eye playing for Dungannon in the All-Ireland League before belatedly joining the professional set-up. <\/p>\n
“There’s been hard work and all that, but a lot of luck,” he said of the key to his longevity in the side.<\/p>\n
“A few injuries went my way at the start for me to get in there, then a few coaches liked me and gave me good chances.<\/p>\n
“Thankfully I took a lot of those and I haven’t been injured an awful lot over the years. That’s kept me in and about it.”<\/p>\n
Given his form, consistency and durability, McCloskey has drawn plenty of interest from elsewhere over the years and was heavily linked with a move to France last season.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, he cites his love for both the province and the city of Belfast as his reason for recently extending his stay with the side until 2027.<\/p>\n
While he picks the URC quarter-final victory over Munster in 2022 as a highlight of his 199 caps so far, to win silverware with Ulster remains an ambition. <\/p>\n
“I love all the lads, I’ve enjoyed my 12 years here,” he said. <\/p>\n
“I like what we’re trying to build, I like some of the young guys coming through. <\/p>\n
“Hopefully I’ll hold on to their coattails in a couple of years’ time when they’re coming into the form of their careers and looking to win something.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n