Tell us about your rugby background…
My dad and grandad played and I started when I was about six at Ballynahinch. Then I played schools rugby at Wallace High in Lisburn and since I came into Ulster I’ve played for Queen’s and (Belfast) Harlequins. Now I’m going back to Ballynahinch.

Do you play in different positions?
I had a short stint as a forward but it didn’t work out too well! Since I was 11, I’ve been an outside back.

When did you join Ulster?
My first time was with Ulster U18 and I was lucky to then get an academy contract straight out of school.

Who have been your mentors?
My Wallace High coach Derek Suffern, who is the Ballynahinch coach too. He brought me through. When I was 15, I was 5ft 4in and by 17, I was 6ft 1in, so you could say I was a late bloomer!

Did 2015-16 go well for you?
I tore my groin and was out for five months but it was brilliant to come back and get a few Pro12 games. It is by far the highest level of rugby I have played.

How was the U20 World Championship?
Not many experiences compete with it. It was incredible to be part of a team that made history by beating New Zealand and reaching the final.

What are next season’s aims?
To get as many Ulster caps as I can and help them push on and get silverware.

What interests do you have outside rugby?
I started a criminology degree but postponed it when I got into the senior side. I’ll go back in January.

RW Verdict: At 6ft 3in and almost 16st, with plenty of pace, Stockdale is a real handful for opposition defences. Four tries at the Junior World Championship underlined this young Ulsterman’s potential.

First published in the August 2016 edition of Rugby World magazine.