"Glad I stuck at it" - Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale reflects on first Six Nations cap since 2021

Whilst it was a tough defeat for Andy Farrell's side, Stockdale was relieved to return to the pinnacle of Northern Hemisphere rugby. The Ulster wing admitted that he carried mixed emotions following the loss, as he collected his first tournament cap since taking on England at the Aviva Stadium back in 2021.

"It was great to be back on the pitch. It was awesome to play at this level again." Stockdale said. "But yeah, probably the emotions are disappointing, a bit of frustration in there as well."

"I wasn't entirely expecting it. to be honest. I think the main feeling was just relief. I've come into the last four Six Nations [camps] able to play a game and I haven't. So to be able to put on that green jersey again in Six Nations was really special to me. It's something I've wanted to do for a number of years."

The Ulster flyer has played himself into a tremendous bill of form with the Belfast side, that could not be ignored by the Ireland selectors. Add into the mix the unfortunate injury to Mack Hansen, and their was only one option to fill the vacancy on the wing in the eyes of Andy Farrell, with James Lowe dropped.

“You feel the frustration and sometimes you want to just go, ‘do you know what, it’s not worth it’ because of the constant disappointments." The 29-year-old added. “But, the wee glint of hope that you might play international rugby again keeps drawing you back in – that and I’m fairly sure we’re contractually obliged to play for Ireland as well!”

Whilst it has been a tenuous wait for Stockdale to get back into the Ireland match day 23 for the Six Nations, the wing has made a some sporadic appearances in green since his last tournament run-out. Stockdale had made six Ireland caps since 2021, with his latest outing to date being in the 2025 Autumn Nations Series triumph over Japan at the Aviva Stadium. Despite not necessarily being a mainstay in the Ireland squad, Stockdale revealed how he was never tempted to pursue a club career overseas.

"No, I love playing international rugby but I also love playing in Ulster. I am a homegrown Ulster player. Don't get me wrong, there's definitely periods of doubt and frustration over the last five years without a shadow of a doubt. I'm really glad I stuck at it."

Given where he's stood in the Ireland wing pecking order throughout the past five years, Stockdale shared how has had some tough conversations with Andy Farrell about his position in the international side. Stockdale revealed how the head coach does not 'pull his punches' when being the barer of bad news, in what has only motivated the Ulster star to improve his game and return to the Test stage.

"There's been times where he hasn't pulled his punches and he's told me exactly what he's thought. There's also been times where he's put an arm around me and encouraged me. I think he's been brilliant for me. Obviously I would have loved to have played every game over the last five years."

"I think a big thing [from Farrell's feedback] was just not holding back. Over the last couple of years Faz has felt like I was feeling my way into games a wee bit. Faz talks a lot about intent and showing that intent from the first minute of the 80th. I think I've been able to do that a lot more in recent years."

With the opening round defeat to France parked in the rear-view mirror, Stockdale has turned his sights set on returning back to the starting XV for when Ireland take on Italy for a Valentines Day clash. Italy were long regarded as the foregone beatable side for many a Six Nations campaign, however, Gonzalo Quesada has sculpted a side that should no longer be considered immediate underdogs.

Just this past weekend, Italy commenced their Six Nations campaign with a stunning win over Scotland, as the Azzurri have become a definite force to not take lightly throughout the past four years. Stockdale shared how he is expectant of facing an Italian side unlike he has ever seen, when Michele Lamaro leads his men to Dublin this Saturday.

"Italy are a brilliant team." Stockdale added. "Both Zebre and [Benetton] Treviso in the URC have shown real form and they're getting better and better every game. Apparently, it's not like how it used to be five years ago. They're a very, very good team and they definitely deserve the utmost respect."

1. Record Six Nations scorer: Stockdale set a 2018 Six Nations record with seven tries, earning Player of the Championship as Ireland claimed the Grand Slam.

2. Long-serving Ulster star: Since debuting for Ulster in 2016, he’s made 140+ appearances and scored over 250 points, becoming one of the province’s most experienced backs.

3. Big frame for a winger: At 1.91 m and around 110 kg, Stockdale combines size and pace, giving him a physical edge in contact and finishing.

4. Career resurgence: After serious ankle injuries kept him out of regular Ireland duty for years, his strong form for Ulster in 2025-26 earned him a recall to the Ireland squad for the Six Nations.

5. Club loyalty: He recently signed a new two-year contract with Ulster, committing him to the province until at least 2027.