Stuart McCluskey: “My phone has never rung so often!” – The Ireland star reflects on an unforgettable Six Nations Championship

Ireland coach Andy Farrell used 35 players during the Six Nations but only two were ever-present.

One of them, unsurprisingly, was Captain Kellan Doris. The other was Stuart McCloskey.

After an injury-riddled autumn campaign, McCloskey enjoyed a fantastic tournament, playing a pivotal role in Ireland winning the Triple Crown.

He led Ireland in carries (74), clearances (eight), assists attempted (six), defenders beaten (20) and post-contact meters (105), and provided one of the moments of the tournament when he chased down Marcus Smith in the win over England.

In the closing stages of Ireland’s record 42-21 win at Twickenham, McCluskey came roaring back and put England back in the tie, a moment that gained a lot of attention online.

The 33-year-old admitted it was difficult to avoid the tackle clip or receive messages about it in the days after the match.

“It was funny, having never had my phone ring so much in my life,” he told the Irish Rugby Social podcast.

“I’ve had some messages for the quarterback to Rob [Baloucoune for Ireland’s third try in their win over Italy] The week before, but Marcus’s stalking had gone so far, there was no way you wouldn’t see her for three or four days!”