Back row Sean Reidy put in an impressive shift in Ulster's 48-7 win over Treviso and he believes it is down to the improvements made to his game since arriving in Belfast last summer.
Reflecting on the success against the Italians, Reidy said: “We played some pretty expansive rugby - that’s what we set out to do - and the boys enjoyed it. We got the bonus point try before half time so we are really pleased with that. I think there were a few defensive lapses here and there but generally we played well.”
The New Zealander was one of the standout performers at Kingspan Stadium last Friday and managed to notch his first senior try into the bargain.
Having initially arrived on a one year development contract, the loose forward’s fine form for Belfast Harlequins, as well as with Ulster in the latter half of last season, has resulted in him earning a contract extension.
“I’m in my second season here. I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds thanks to the coaching staff and the players around me. I’ve learned plenty and settled in well. They are really friendly guys and I get on well with everyone,” says the 26 year old.
Next up for Reidy and his team mates is a clash against Edinburgh, who beat the Ulster men in pre-season and have since enjoyed a 100% start to their PRO12 campaign, winning three from three. “They have a pretty big pack and basically we’ve got to front up and try to set the tempo. We’ve got to play our style of footy and put up another good performance that we can all be happy with.”
With Iain Henderson and Chris Henry on World Cup duty with Ireland, Reidy has been afforded more opportunities in the back row, something he hopes will continue even when they return:
“There are some good players around the squad and this next block of fixtures will really test our depth. The challenge for me is to force my way into the match day squad on a more regular basis and get more minutes on the pitch. Every time I enter the field I’m determined to do everything for the team and put in performances that I can be proud of.”
He has certainly done that so far. Click here to view Sean’s season statistics.
Reflecting on the success against the Italians, Reidy said: “We played some pretty expansive rugby - that’s what we set out to do - and the boys enjoyed it. We got the bonus point try before half time so we are really pleased with that. I think there were a few defensive lapses here and there but generally we played well.”
The New Zealander was one of the standout performers at Kingspan Stadium last Friday and managed to notch his first senior try into the bargain.
Having initially arrived on a one year development contract, the loose forward’s fine form for Belfast Harlequins, as well as with Ulster in the latter half of last season, has resulted in him earning a contract extension.
“I’m in my second season here. I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds thanks to the coaching staff and the players around me. I’ve learned plenty and settled in well. They are really friendly guys and I get on well with everyone,” says the 26 year old.
Next up for Reidy and his team mates is a clash against Edinburgh, who beat the Ulster men in pre-season and have since enjoyed a 100% start to their PRO12 campaign, winning three from three. “They have a pretty big pack and basically we’ve got to front up and try to set the tempo. We’ve got to play our style of footy and put up another good performance that we can all be happy with.”
With Iain Henderson and Chris Henry on World Cup duty with Ireland, Reidy has been afforded more opportunities in the back row, something he hopes will continue even when they return:
“There are some good players around the squad and this next block of fixtures will really test our depth. The challenge for me is to force my way into the match day squad on a more regular basis and get more minutes on the pitch. Every time I enter the field I’m determined to do everything for the team and put in performances that I can be proud of.”
He has certainly done that so far. Click here to view Sean’s season statistics.