Welsh rugby in a 'tricky situation' - McCloskey

Stuart McCloskey has won 21 caps for Ireland

Ireland's Stuart McCloskey does not believe the proposed reduction of professional clubs in Wales could happen in Irish rugby.

The 21-times capped centre is confident that the four provinces in Ireland have a strong enough support base to secure their future.

McCloskey, who has played more than 200 times for Ulster, has been following developments in Wales where a radical shake-up is on the cards.

The Welsh Rugby Union is considering cutting the number of professional clubs from four to two to try to revitalise the game in Wales.

The controversial plan puts Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets at risk, though nothing has been finalised.

"We have got four strong provinces that have got great support. Our support has been brilliant over the years," McCloskey told BBC News NI.

"Wales have been in a tricky situation. They probably need a change of some sort, whether that's going to two teams … I'm sure a lot of the Welsh rugby viewing public don't agree with that.

"I don't know what kind of a solution they'll come to, but I don't think it'll stay as four (teams)."

A final decision is expected in October and the rugby world will be watching with interest.

However, McCloskey does not believe it might lead to a rethink in Ireland, where international and club rugby is flourishing.

At the same time, the recent success of Leinster has created a gap between them and other Irish provinces. In last season's 16-club URC (United Rugby Championship), Ulster finished in 14th place, with Leinster in first place with twice as many points.

McCloskey is hopeful that Ulster will gain ground in the forthcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) season, which begins at the end of September.

"I would expect us to hopefully make the play-offs and hopefully make a bit of a run in the (European) Challenge Cup," he said.

For the first time, Ulster have not qualified for the main European tournament, the Champions Cup.

On personal level, McCloskey, 33, is hoping to keep playing for Ireland, after featuring on their recent summer tour.

He scored in the record-breaking win over Portugal and is keen to wear the green jersey again soon.

"I'd love to get a good run, injury-free. I'd love to play for Ireland again … I'd hopefully love to push towards the next World Cup. It's only less than two years away now, and I still feel my body's in great shape."

Another player hoping to avoid more injuries is Ulster hooker Tom Stewart.

Speaking at an open training session in Coleraine, watched by hundreds of local rugby fans, he expressed optimism about the future.

He said: "It was a tough enough season for players, staff and supporters last year so the big thing is building that energy back around Ulster rugby, getting the fans back on side, getting a bit of buzz around the changing room."

Like McCloskey, 24-year-old Stewart played for Ireland during the summer.

For both players, their focus is now firmly on Ulster. They kick off the United Rugby Championship season with a home game against the Dragons on Friday 26 September.

It will be Ulster's first competitive game at their newly named ground, the Affidea Stadium in Belfast.