The Ballymena second row has developed his all-round rugby skills hugely since catching the eye at schools level. He represented Ireland at Under 19 level in 2011, but it says much about how closely Ulster monitors the game that it was his consistently high-class performances for his club which convinced the coaching staff that he deserved a Development contract. Rea is now an experienced member of the squad, who can be trusted in big games to put in a solid performance in the back row.