Harry Rea


Harold Halliday Rea is an academic and former Ireland international rugby union player.

Early life

Born in Belfast, Rea was educated at Belfast Royal Academy, where he followed his brothers John and Richard in captaining the first XV. He led the school to the 1964 Ulster Schools' Cup title.

Rugby career

Rea played his senior rugby with Edinburgh University, North of Ireland, London Irish and Ulster, while winning two Ireland caps as a centre. He made his debut in Ireland's 1967 win over the touring Wallabies and played a 1969 Five Nations match against France, both at Lansdowne Road.

Medicine

Rea moved to New Zealand in 1974 to take over an Auckland medical practice. He became a professor of medicine.