As one of nine additions to the Ulster squad over the summer, Sean Reidy is keen to impress. The 25 year-old New Zealander, who is Irish qualified through his grandfather, signed a short term contract and his ambition in the coming months is to convert that into a long term association with the Province:
“I have set myself a few goals,” says the former Manukau Steelers player. “I am here on trial basis so it’s about getting that full contract. The pre-season and early season games are important. The internationals may not be available for those matches with them being phased back in, so that’s the time when I hope to play and to put my hand up. I have a chance here with Ulster and I want to take it.”
It's now the fourth week of pre-season and Reidy has been impressed with the set up at Ulster:
“Everything is really good,” he says. “The medical staff and the fitness guys have been really excellent and I have been learning a lot. It’s a little bit different to back home. I would say that it’s a bit more based on strength and conditioning as opposed to skills work at this stage – but as pre-season goes on I know that ball-in-hand sessions will become a bigger focus.”
Reidy is also a fan of his new surroundings:
“I am enjoying Belfast. I have got lost a few times down a few one-way streets! I had a look around the city centre and have seen most of the main sites. I also had a walk up Cavehill the other day which was good.
“It’s good to be here at Ulster. I am keen to learn as much as I can and to put my best foot forward.”