IT'S been a tough journey for Marcus Rea.
Entering the final year of his contract at the start of the season, the flanker took his chance when it arrived and now after a run of games, he’s finally delivering on his potential in Ulster’s back row.
After seeing his game time being limited in recent times, Rea was given an opportunity against Leinster last November.
He took the chance with both hands and gave Head Coach Dan McFarland plenty to think about.
His reward – a starting berth in the back row for some of Ulster’s biggest games of the season and just last week, he signed a one-year contract extension which will see through to June 2023.
It was welcome news for Rea who only has ambitions to play club rugby for Ulster and no one else.
“It was something I always wanted to do. I didn’t really want to leave at this stage of my career,” said a delighted Rea.
“It just so happens that I got into a run of form before I signed.
“So, I’m happy with the deal I got and happy to be staying here.”
Rea’s game time was mostly confined to Ulster A games and All-Ireland league matches with Ballymena.
Chances became few and far with the arrival of the Covid pandemic, but the 24-year-old always knew that if he could ever get a run of games in the first team, he would be good enough to hold down a starting place.
“I knew if I had a run of games and got a bit of confidence up that I would be hard to put out of the team again.
“The contract came at a good time. I honestly wasn’t playing a lot of games even last season until right up before I signed it, so, yeah, the contract came at a good time but as far as rugby goes, I just want to get better.
Now he’s enjoying an extended run in the team, Rea has set himself a number of new targets to achieve
“I want to stay in the team, I want to help the team get better, I want to win something this year and I don’t want to give up my shirt for anyone really.”
The Ulster back row is as arguably the most difficult are of the Ulster team to break into.
With the likes of Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen, Jordi Murphy, and Rea’s own brother, Matty all battling it out for a jersey, it underlines how important it is to make the most of your chance when it comes around.
“It’s the world’s hardest thing - getting your foot in the door, and then you just have to take your opportunity when you do.
“I just got a run of form in the European games. There’s a little bit of luck so you got to take it.
“But once I got my foot in the door, I knew I needed an opportunity to get there and when I got it, it wasn’t something I was going to give up.”
