Vea first joined the New Zealand outfit North Harbour, in 2010 to compete in the ITM Cup campaigns. After three years, he moved to England as he was signed by Wasps ahead of the 2013–14 season. On 11 June 2014, Vea signed for newly promoted side London Welsh ahead of the 2014–15 season. On 17 March 2015, Vea signed for Newcastle Falcons for the upcoming 2015–16 season. Due to a serious spinal injury he suffered during the Aviva Premiership game against Sale Sharks on 2 September 2016, Vea was unfortunately forced to retire from rugby.
