Ulster's McCloskey admits initial hesitation over PRO14 format
Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey believes the revamp of the PRO14 will add value to the competition, but he's admitted he wasn't initially sure it was going to work out.
The expansion of the league has resulted in the addition of South African pair the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, and the creation of 2 conferences.
"To be honest, at the start when it was all happening in the summer, I was watching it and I just really didn't how how it was all going to work," said McCloskey.
"Sometimes Super Rugby can look a bit diluted, you didn't always know who was playing who, and which team could win the conference. I just didn't want us to end up like that - but I think the way we've done it, it works really well."
"I didn't really see the value in it at the start, but now it seems like it's going to be good. I think the South African teams are going to bring a lot. It might just take them a few weeks, once they've played a few home games. "
McCloskey was partially responsible for the Cheetah's rough introduction to the northern hemisphere, bagging a try in Ulster's 42-19 victory at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
"I thought I was pretty well rounded the other night against the Cheetahs. Apart from dropping a ball which I probably could have walked in for a try," he said.
"I'm 25 now - not the youngster I once was. I'm still physical, it's something I've always brought, but I'm trying to be a bit more of a distributor and maybe bring a bit more of a kicking game."
Ulster's season continues on Saturday the 9th of September away to Treviso.