He is described as "a true cornerstone of this Ulster team, providing a rounded skillset at inside centre that includes strong ball-carrying, offloading, short and long passing, a breakdown threat, defensive communication, and even attacking kicking.

"[5] He grew up in Bangor, County Down, where his father, Wilson McCloskey, owned a landscaping business and played fullback for Ards RFC.

Dungannon coach Kieran Campbell promoted him to the first team and recommended him to Ulster's academy manager, Allen Clarke, who asked him to join the sub-academy.

He combined playing for Dungannon and games for Ulster "A" with studying structural engineering with architecture at Queens University Belfast, until he joined the full academy before the 2013–14 season.

[8] He signed a development contract ahead of the 2014–15 season, during which he made fifteen appearances, including nine starts,[6] and won Ulster's Young Player of the Year award.