Matthew Rea (born 21 September 1993) is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays for Ulster as a back row forward.

[2] He represented Ireland at under-19 level in 2011,[3] but was not offered a place in the Ulster Academy when he left school.

[4] His performances for Ballymena in the All-Ireland League led to Ulster offering him a development contract ahead of the 2016–17 season.

[5] He made his first professional rugby and Ulster appearance in September 2017 against the Cheetahs.

[8] His younger brother Marcus, also a back row forward, made his debut for Ulster in 2018.