Stuart McCloskey Reflects on Viral Marcus Smith Tackle and Breakthrough Six Nations Performance as Ireland Win Triple Crown

Stuart McCloskey's remarkable Six Nations campaign has culminated in both statistical dominance and viral fame, as the 33-year-old Ulster centre finally secured his breakthrough tournament while providing one of the championship's most memorable moments with his chase-down tackle on Marcus Smith at Twickenham.

McCloskey emerged as Ireland's most consistent performer throughout their Triple Crown-winning campaign, becoming one of only two ever-present players alongside captain Caelan Doris as head coach Andy Farrell utilized 35 different players across the five matches.

The veteran centre led Ireland in virtually every attacking statistic, registering 74 carries, eight offloads, six try assists, 20 defenders beaten, and 105 post-contact metres during a championship that validated his unwavering belief in his international capabilities.

It was hilarious, after my phone has never been buzzed as much in my whole life, McCloskey admitted about the social media reaction to his viral tackle. I had a few messages for the quarterback offload to Rob [Baloucoune for Ireland's third try in their win over Italy] the week before but the chase down of Marcus went viral, you couldn't not see it for three or four days!

The defining moment occurred during Ireland's record 42-21 victory over England, when McCloskey demonstrated exceptional fitness and determination by sprinting back to barrel the England fly-half into touch. The tackle gained massive traction online and perfectly encapsulated McCloskey's relentless work ethic.

McCloskey's tournament revival represented the culmination of years of patient persistence since making his Ireland debut in 2016. The Ulster stalwart had endured lengthy spells on the periphery while established centres Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw commanded regular selection.

I didn't think it would take to 33 to get to five games in a row in the Six Nations, he reflected. I never thought I was too far away from actually playing and, not being arrogant, but I backed my ability that I still thought I had it and was a pretty good player.

Opportunity finally arrived when Aki received a suspension for the championship's opening three matches while Henshaw battled ongoing injury problems, creating space for McCloskey to demonstrate his enduring quality at Test level.

Testament to Faz who kept me wanting to do it, it's easy for lads to get disheartened when not playing but it was a good environment to be in, McCloskey acknowledged about Andy Farrell's management approach.

McCloskey's relationship with Aki has evolved considerably from their earlier rivalry, when both players competed intensely for the same centre position. In our younger years there was probably a bit more friction and we didn't get on that well, we wouldn't have been as friendly, admitted McCloskey.

But now, as time has gone on, we've spent so much time in the squad together we are quite friendly now. It wouldn't have been a bad thing, we were both really competitive. I was trying to get past him when he was nearly world player of the year one year.

When selecting personal highlights from Ireland's championship campaign, McCloskey favored his quarterback-style offload to Rob Baloucoune against Italy over the viral Smith tackle. I probably liked the quarterback one to Rob more, it was a bit different, he explained. The Marcus Smith one is there and will always be there as a nice moment to have, but those offloads are a bit different and showed my game.

Collectively, McCloskey treasured the post-match celebrations following Ireland's victory over England, particularly the squad's nervous support for England against France in the championship's final weekend. As a team, probably England and celebrations after, he reflected. At the weekend [after beating Scotland] sitting having a few pints with the lads and properly cheering on England, living on every drop ball.

It was great but I was mentally drained watching. It will be a Six Nations they'll remember for a long time. The weather was good for a lot of it, format was good, some of the new rules made more open play so it all culminated in a great tournament.

McCloskey's championship performance has established him as a central figure in Ireland's midfield planning while demonstrating that persistence and self-belief can eventually yield international rewards regardless of age or previous setbacks.