Flanker Sean Reidy announced on Wednesday that he was extending his stay at Ulster for a further two years because he believes he's involved in 'something pretty special'.
The New Zealand-born 26-year-old said that since arriving at Kingspan Stadium in 2014 he’d really enjoyed his rugby, particularly this season when he’s had a protracted run in the side.
“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract, I really enjoy here - Belfast is a really cool place and I’ve made a lot of friends through rugby.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play quite a lot of games recently and that’s been really good, getting game time is important. I got a chance when Chris Henry was away at the World Cup, and he then got a shoulder injury and I got the opportunity to get a run in the team,” said the Irish-qualified wing-forward.
He said that it had been a great compliment from a team-mate he regards hugely, when Henry recently swatted aside questions about a return from injury to the Ireland jersey by claiming his top priority was to prove himself good enough to dislodge the impressive Reidy from the starting line-up at Ulster.
“That’s a great thing for Chris to say, but he’s a fantastic player and we need all our best guys fit and in form at what’s an important stage of the season.
“There’s a real ‘buzz’ around the place, a good feeling in the squad that we’re developing something pretty special here, and I’d like to be part of that and bring some silverware to Ulster,” said the affable Kiwi.
Two years ago Reidy was delighted when Ulster offered him a chance in the professional game in the Northern Hemisphere, and he’s laid down firm roots in the Province and says he’s ambitious for the side and himself - but in that order.
He scored his first try for Ulster against Treviso in November, and has since contributed touchdowns in vital games at important times in matches. It’s a trait the players hopes he can continue to offer Ulster as it single-mindedly pursues the PRO12 title this season.
“We didn’t play well against the Scarlets at the Kingspan on Sunday, but we’ve been winning games and putting ourselves into a great position to reach the first target, a top four place and a Guinness PRO12 semi-final.
Reidy is hoping to be involved at Cardiff Blues on Sunday, though he believes the Welsh side will prove tough opponents on their BT Sport Arms Park artificial surface.
“The pitch itself shouldn’t be a problem, we’ve played on quite a few this season, and as a forward it means there are some advantages in terms of grip. We train a lot on our own 3G pitch here at the Kingspan, so we’re all used to artificial pitches and know that there is likely to be quite a tempo to the game.
“The Blues are a few paces below us in the league, but they have some great players, and world-class performers,” said Reidy, who particularly pointed to his former Kiwi clubmate at Counties Manukau, the Samoan international centre Rey Lee-Lo.
“He’s a top player, and up front Cardiff can call on All Black lock Jarrad Hoeata, so there will be quite a battle all over the park,” said Reidy, clearly hoping to celebrate his new deal with Ulster by helping the side to what would be a crucial win and a possible return to the top-of-the-table.
Reidy knows Cardiff was unfortunate to lose 14-13 at home to Leinster last weekend, and is acutely aware of the attacking and points-scoring talent in the shape of Rhys Patchell, Cory Allen and flanker Josh Navidi.
“We’ve had a good talk about the Scarlets disappointment, looked at what we were doing well for a long time, and we want to go to Cardiff and get at least four points, that’s the aim,” said Reidy.
The New Zealand-born 26-year-old said that since arriving at Kingspan Stadium in 2014 he’d really enjoyed his rugby, particularly this season when he’s had a protracted run in the side.
“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract, I really enjoy here - Belfast is a really cool place and I’ve made a lot of friends through rugby.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play quite a lot of games recently and that’s been really good, getting game time is important. I got a chance when Chris Henry was away at the World Cup, and he then got a shoulder injury and I got the opportunity to get a run in the team,” said the Irish-qualified wing-forward.
He said that it had been a great compliment from a team-mate he regards hugely, when Henry recently swatted aside questions about a return from injury to the Ireland jersey by claiming his top priority was to prove himself good enough to dislodge the impressive Reidy from the starting line-up at Ulster.
“That’s a great thing for Chris to say, but he’s a fantastic player and we need all our best guys fit and in form at what’s an important stage of the season.
“There’s a real ‘buzz’ around the place, a good feeling in the squad that we’re developing something pretty special here, and I’d like to be part of that and bring some silverware to Ulster,” said the affable Kiwi.
Two years ago Reidy was delighted when Ulster offered him a chance in the professional game in the Northern Hemisphere, and he’s laid down firm roots in the Province and says he’s ambitious for the side and himself - but in that order.
He scored his first try for Ulster against Treviso in November, and has since contributed touchdowns in vital games at important times in matches. It’s a trait the players hopes he can continue to offer Ulster as it single-mindedly pursues the PRO12 title this season.
“We didn’t play well against the Scarlets at the Kingspan on Sunday, but we’ve been winning games and putting ourselves into a great position to reach the first target, a top four place and a Guinness PRO12 semi-final.
Reidy is hoping to be involved at Cardiff Blues on Sunday, though he believes the Welsh side will prove tough opponents on their BT Sport Arms Park artificial surface.
“The pitch itself shouldn’t be a problem, we’ve played on quite a few this season, and as a forward it means there are some advantages in terms of grip. We train a lot on our own 3G pitch here at the Kingspan, so we’re all used to artificial pitches and know that there is likely to be quite a tempo to the game.
“The Blues are a few paces below us in the league, but they have some great players, and world-class performers,” said Reidy, who particularly pointed to his former Kiwi clubmate at Counties Manukau, the Samoan international centre Rey Lee-Lo.
“He’s a top player, and up front Cardiff can call on All Black lock Jarrad Hoeata, so there will be quite a battle all over the park,” said Reidy, clearly hoping to celebrate his new deal with Ulster by helping the side to what would be a crucial win and a possible return to the top-of-the-table.
Reidy knows Cardiff was unfortunate to lose 14-13 at home to Leinster last weekend, and is acutely aware of the attacking and points-scoring talent in the shape of Rhys Patchell, Cory Allen and flanker Josh Navidi.
“We’ve had a good talk about the Scarlets disappointment, looked at what we were doing well for a long time, and we want to go to Cardiff and get at least four points, that’s the aim,” said Reidy.