“He has to be” – Andy Farrell on the Irishman who should be up for Player of the Championship
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The Irish Fridge.
Ireland boss Andy Farrell believes Stuart McCloskey’s outstanding Six Nations campaign deserves serious recognition, insisting the Ulster centre simply has to be in the conversation for Player of the Championship.
McCloskey has been one of the standout performers of Ireland’s campaign, producing a string of powerful displays in midfield and playing a key role in the team’s momentum throughout the tournament.
Speaking after Ireland’s win over Scotland, Farrell had no hesitation when asked whether McCloskey should be among the contenders for the individual award.
“He has to be, doesn’t he?” Farrell told ITV.
“The Irish Fridge. He’s been immense. It’s huge for Stu. He’s bided his time all these years.”
McCloskey has long been admired for his physicality and directness, but this championship has seen him add consistency and influence to his game across every round.
For Farrell, what makes the 31-year-old’s campaign even more impressive is the fact that he has delivered at such a high level across the entire tournament.
“It’s actually immense what he’s done, the quality of performance, because this Six Nations is short and I don’t know when the last time Stu played five on the bounce for us and performed like that.”
The Ireland head coach was particularly pleased to see McCloskey finally get the extended run in the side that many felt his performances had deserved for years.
Having waited patiently behind a number of established names in the Irish midfield, McCloskey has now taken his opportunity in emphatic fashion.
“It’s magnificent what he’s done.”
