Jacob Stockdale: 5 Crucial Updates On The Ulster And Ireland Star's Comeback, New Contract, And Growing Family
Jacob Stockdale remains one of Irish rugby’s most explosive and talked-about talents, and as of today, December 19, 2025, his career is experiencing a significant resurgence after a period marked by challenging injuries. This article brings you the very latest, most current updates on the dynamic winger, from his long-term club commitment to his personal milestones and his return to the pitch for crucial fixtures in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
The 2018 Six Nations record-breaker has cemented his future with Ulster Rugby, a fresh commitment that signals his intent to return to the pinnacle of international rugby. His recent inclusion in the matchday squad for Ulster's interpro clash against Leinster is a clear indication that the powerful runner is back to full fitness and ready to influence the game at the highest level.
Complete Biography and Professional Profile
Jacob Alexander Stockdale is a celebrated Irish professional rugby union player known for his blistering pace and prolific try-scoring ability. He has been a pivotal figure for both his provincial club, Ulster, and the Ireland national team.
- Full Name: Jacob Alexander Stockdale
- Date of Birth: 3 April 1996
- Place of Birth: Lurgan, Northern Ireland
- Age (as of 2025): 29
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
- Primary Position: Wing
- Secondary Positions: Centre, Fullback
- Current Club: Ulster Rugby
- Contract Extension: Signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at Ulster until at least 2027.
- International Team: Ireland (First cap in 2017)
- Wife: Hannah Garrett (Married August 2021)
- Children: Two daughters, Phoebe (born 2022) and Bonnie (born recently).
- Education: Wallace High School
- Career Highlight: Holds the record for the most tries scored in a single Six Nations Championship (7 tries in 2018).
The New Contract and Long-Term Commitment to Ulster
One of the most significant pieces of recent news surrounding Jacob Stockdale is his decision to commit his long-term future to Ulster Rugby. In a move that delighted fans, the winger signed a new two-year deal, securing his place at the province until at least the summer of 2027.
This commitment is seen as a major boost for Ulster, who value Stockdale's experience, finishing ability, and leadership in the backline. For Stockdale himself, the decision was straightforward, expressing his feeling that 'Ulster is a really good place to be' and highlighting the positive environment within the club.
The extension allows him to focus entirely on his performance, providing stability as he looks to reclaim a regular starting spot in the Ireland national team. His continued presence is vital for Ulster's ambitions in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions.
His ability to cover multiple positions—wing, centre, and fullback—makes him an invaluable asset, offering tactical flexibility to the coaching staff. This versatility is a key factor in his new contract, especially as he continues to recover and build momentum following a challenging period of injuries.
Injury Battles and a Triumphant Return to Form
Stockdale's career, particularly in the last few years, has been a testament to resilience, marked by significant injury setbacks that tested his resolve. He has navigated a series of physical challenges, demonstrating his determination to return to the elite level of the sport.
Recent Injury Setbacks
A persistent ankle injury required surgery which prematurely ended one of his recent seasons, a major blow that kept him off the pitch for an extended period. More recently, he sustained a shoulder injury, specifically an AC injury, during international duty with Ireland. This required him to return home from the Ireland camp and see a specialist to determine the extent of the damage and whether surgery would be required.
These injuries, while frustrating, have allowed other players to step up, but the rugby world has eagerly awaited his full-strength return. His absence was noticeable in crucial fixtures for both Ireland and Ulster in the URC against teams like the Dragons and Edinburgh Rugby.
The Current Comeback
The good news is that Stockdale is now firmly back in the mix. His selection in the matchday squad for the interpro derby against Leinster on December 19, 2025, confirms his return to match fitness. His optimism about Ulster's chances in these high-stakes games shows his mental readiness to contribute immediately to the team's success.
His goal now is to recapture the electric form that saw him set the try-scoring record in the 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam victory, where he scored an astonishing seven tries in the tournament. A strong run of games for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship is his pathway back to the Ireland starting XV for the next international window.
Personal Life: Wife Hannah and Growing Family
Away from the demanding schedule of professional rugby, Jacob Stockdale enjoys a fulfilling family life, which has expanded significantly in recent years. This stability off the pitch is often credited with helping athletes maintain focus and performance during their careers.
Stockdale is married to Hannah Garrett, whom he met while they were both students at Wallace High School. Although they met in 2007, they began dating later in 2018, and the couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in August 2021.
The couple has welcomed two children, both daughters. Their first child, Phoebe, was born in 2022. More recently, the Stockdale family grew again with the arrival of their second daughter, Bonnie, who was born late in 2025.
Stockdale has publicly joked about being 'outnumbered' at home, but clearly cherishes his role as a father. The support from his wife, Hannah, and his growing family provides a crucial foundation as he continues to pursue his goals in the highly competitive world of professional rugby union.
What’s Next for Stockdale? Six Nations Ambitions
With his new contract secured and his injury woes seemingly behind him, the focus for Jacob Stockdale shifts to consistent performance for Ulster. The United Rugby Championship fixtures are his immediate priority, providing the platform to prove his form and fitness to the national selectors.
His ultimate goal remains a return to the Ireland starting line-up, particularly with the Six Nations Championship looming. Stockdale’s ability to score tries—a record he still holds—is a weapon Ireland will want to utilise.
The competition for the wing position is fierce, but Stockdale's proven track record, especially his famous Grand Slam performances, gives him a unique advantage. Fans and pundits alike are optimistic that the powerful, try-scoring machine will soon be back to his electrifying best, adding a vital attacking dimension to both Ulster and Ireland’s campaigns in the coming seasons. His journey back from injury to the top of the game is one of the most compelling storylines in Irish rugby right now.
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