Harry Rea:  Ireland 2 caps

(Centre)

Harry Rea was an outstanding sportsman at School particularly in athletics and rugby. He broke several records in athletics at different age levels and he had a highly successful rugby career. Harry was a member of the unbeaten Medallion side that was joint-winners of the Medallion Shield in 1960 and he was captain of the Medallion XV the following season.

At 1st XV level Harry was a member of the joint-winning Schools’ Cup side of 1963 and was captain of the joint-winning side of 1964. That side lost only one game during the season and in the Cup defeated RBAI in the quarter-final, MCB in the semi-final and drew with Campbell College in the final. Harry Rea’s leadership qualities were instrumental in the success of this team and his own rugby playing qualities were recognised with his selection for Ulster Schools.

On leaving School Harry went to Edinburgh University where he was later captain and at home he played his club rugby at North where he was also captain. He played for Ulster on a number of occasions and he made his debut for Ireland in January 1967 at Lansdowne Road in a match that Ireland won. Harry’s other cap was gained against France, a match Ireland also won. Later in his rugby career Harry played for London Irish and Montreal Irish.

Harry currently lives in New Zealand where is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Auckland.