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2003–04 Ulster Rugby season

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2003–04 Ulster Rugby season
Ground(s)Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Alan Solomons
Captain(s)Andy Ward
Top scorerDavid Humphreys (204)
Most triesTyrone Howe (12)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (2nd)
Celtic Cup (champions)
← 2002–03 2004–05 →

The 2003–04 season was Ulster Rugby's ninth under professionalism, and their third under head coach Alan Solomons. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the Celtic League and the inaugural Celtic Cup.

Ulster introduced a new logo this season, featuring a red hand surrounded by the outline shapes of two crossed rugby balls in red and black, which remains in use. A proposal to rebrand the team the "Ulster Knights" was discussed, but rejected.[1]

The numbers of teams in the Celtic League was reduced from sixteen to twelve in a single league table, with a full home and away schedule increasing each team's fixture list from seven to 22 matches. There would be no playoffs to determine the league's champions, but a knockout competition, the Celtic Cup, was introduced alongside the league.[2] This meant that the Irish provinces could now operate as full-time professional clubs, with provincial players no longer able to play for clubs in the All-Ireland League.[3] Ulster finished second in the table. Tyrone Howe was the league's joint third leading try scorer with nine.[4] In the Heineken Cup, they came third in Pool 1, not qualifying for the knockout stage. They won the Celtic Cup, defeating Edinburgh in the final.

Making their debuts for the province this season were props Bryan Young and Simon Shawe, lock Tim Barker, back row forward Roger Wilson, scrum-half Reece Spee, wing Tommy Bowe and centre Seamus Mallon. New signings were props Ronan McCormack and Rod Moore, locks Rowan Frost and Matt Mustchin, and centre Paul Steinmetz.

James Topping became only the second player, after Gary Longwell, to make 100 appearances for Ulster.[5] Tommy Bowe was named IRUPA Young Player of the Year.[6] Roger Wilson was Ulster's Player of the Year.

Head coach Alan Solomons and forwards coach Adrian Kennedy left at the end of the season to join Northampton Saints.[7] Backs coach Mark McCall was named as the new head coach.[8]

Staff

[edit]
Position Name Nationality
Chief Executive Michael Reid  Ireland
Director of Rugby Alan Solomons  South Africa
Team manager John McComish  Ireland
Forwards coach Adrian Kennedy  Ireland
Backs coach Mark McCall  Ireland
Assistant conditioning coach John McCloskey  Ireland
Physiotherapist Gareth Robinson  Ireland

Squad

[edit]

Senior squad

[edit]
Ulster Rugby squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.[19]

2003–04 Heineken Cup

[edit]
Main article: 2003–04 Heineken Cup

Pool 1

[edit]
Team P W D L Tries for Tries against Try diff Points for Points against Points diff TB LB Pts
France Stade Français 6 4 0 2 11 8 3 134 80 54 1 1 18
England Leicester Tigers 6 3 0 3 17 10 7 137 115 22 3 0 15
Ireland Ulster 6 3 0 3 10 9 1 109 106 3 1 1 14
Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 6 2 0 4 5 16 −11 67 146 −79 0 1 9
7 December 2003
14:30 		Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 24 – 15 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
Try: Breeze
Montgomery
Con: Jarvis
 Report[20] Pen: Humphreys (5)
 Attendance: 5,500
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Rowan Frost, 5. Gary Longwell,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 56'), Rod Moore (for N. Best 29-36').

12 December 2003
19:30 		Ulster Ireland 22 – 20 France Stade Français Ravenhill  
Try: Wallace
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (5)
 Report[21] Try: Rabadan
Pen: Domínguez (4)
Drop: Liebenburg
 Attendance: 10,243
Referee: N Williams
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Rod Moore (for S. Best 57'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 57'), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 62').

11 January 2004
13:00 		Ulster Ireland 33 – 0 England Leicester Tigers Ravenhill  
Try: Howe, Ward (2), Stewart
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Report[22] Attendance: 12,300
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 67'), Adam Larkin (for Stewart 75').

17 January 2004
15:00 		Leicester Tigers England 49 – 7 Ireland Ulster Welford Road  
Try: Lloyd (2)
Back
Van der Westhuyzen
Johnson
Con: Vesty (3)
Pen: Vesty (6)
 Report[23][24] Try: Topping
Con: Humphreys
 Attendance: 16,815
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
Adam Larkin (for Stewart 18'), Rod Moore (for S. Best 50'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 66').

24 January 2004
16:00 		Stade Français France 13 – 10 Ireland Ulster Stade Jean-Bouin  
Try: Marconnet
Con: Domínguez
Pen: Domínguez (2)
 Report[25][26] Try: Humphreys
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys
 Attendance: 10,284
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 64'), Neil Best (for McMillan 64').

30 January 2004
19:45 		Ulster Ireland 22 – 0 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
Try: Shields
Humphreys
Howe
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys
 Attendance: 11,925
Referee: J Dume
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Simon Best (for Moore 60'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 60'), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 62'),
Matt Sexton (for Shields 69'), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 70'), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 72'), Paddy Wallace (for Mallon 72')

2003-04 Celtic League

[edit]
Main article: 2003–04 Celtic League
Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Wales Llanelli Scarlets 22 16 1 5 597 385 +212 57 39 7 3 76
2 Ireland Ulster 22 15 0 7 617 363 +254 67 29 8 4 72
3 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 16 0 6 590 449 +141 59 41 7 1 72
4 Wales Celtic Warriors 22 14 0 8 560 451 +109 48 37 5 4 65
5 Wales Neath-Swansea Ospreys 22 11 1 10 582 512 +70 55 60 5 4 55
6 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 11 0 11 570 467 +103 73 54 7 3 54
7 Ireland Munster 22 10 0 12 422 456 −34 45 49 6 5 51
8 Ireland Leinster 22 9 1 12 523 580 −57 51 65 4 5 47
9 Ireland Connacht 22 8 2 12 479 550 −71 50 59 5 3 44
10 Scotland Edinburgh 22 9 0 13 454 622 −168 52 69 6 2 44
11 Scotland Glasgow 22 6 1 15 442 614 −172 52 61 3 3 32
12 Scotland Borders 22 4 0 18 363 750 −387 42 88 1 5 22

Under the standard bonus point system, points are awarded as follows:

  • 4 points for a win
  • 2 points for a draw
  • 1 bonus point for scoring 4 tries (or more) (Try bonus)
  • 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points (or fewer) (Losing bonus)
Source: RaboDirect PRO12 Archived 22 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine
5 September 2003 Neath-Swansea Ospreys Wales 41–30 Ireland Ulster The Gnoll  
19:05 Try: Tiueti
Durston
Henson (2)
Con: Connor (2)
Henson
Pen: Connor (4)
Henson
 Report[27][28]
Video 		Try: Stewart
McCormack
Ward
Con: Wallace (3)
Pen: Wallace (3)
 Attendance: 4,250
Referee: Gregg Davies
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Neil McMillan (for Wilson 46'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 53'), Adam Larkin (for Constable 66'), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85').

12 September 2003 Ulster Ireland 33–6 Scotland Glasgow Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Frost
McWhirter
Stewart
Con: Larkin (3)
Pen: Larkin (3)
 Report[29] Pen: Howarth
Drop: Moffat
 Attendance: 6,000
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Seamus Mallon (for Constable 23').

26 September 2003 Ulster Ireland 37–18 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Ward
McWhirter
Constable
Howe
Con: Larkin (4)
Pen: Larkin (3)
 Report[30] Try: Arasa
Baber
Con: Warlow
Pen: Warlow
Drop: Warlow
 Attendance: 5,807
Referee: A. Ireland
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Brian Young,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt McCullough (for Frost 52'), Simon Shawe (for McWhirter 69'),
Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 72'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 76'), Neil Best (for Shawe 80').

10 October 2003 Munster Ireland 15–16 Ireland Ulster Musgrave Park  
19:30 Pen: Staunton (5)
 Report[31][32] Try: Mallon
Con: Larkin
Pen: Larkin (3)
 Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Nigel Owens
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Ryan Constable (for Mallon 60'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 60'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 62'), Bryan Young (for Moore 73').

17 October 2003 Ulster Ireland 26–20 Wales Celtic Warriors Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Howe
Cunningham
Con: Larkin (2)
Pen: Larkin (4)
 Report[33][34] Try: Lewis
Pen: Jenkins (5)
 Attendance: 6,625
Referee: D. Changeleng
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Sexton (for Shields 47'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 47'), James Topping (for Young 47'),
Ryan Constable (for Mallon 47'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 63'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 60'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 77').

24 October 2003 Edinburgh Scotland 3–41 Ireland Ulster Meadowbank  
19:35 Pen: Lee
 Report[35][36] Try: Constable (3)
Howe
Topping
Con: Larkin (5)
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Attendance: 2,600
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Sexton (for Shields), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee (for Campbell), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart), Scott Young (for Topping).

31 October 2003 Ulster Ireland 32–7 Wales Cardiff Blues Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Cunningham (2)
Howe
Shields
Con: Larkin (3)
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Report[37] Try: Powell
Con: Robinson
 Attendance: 5,256
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 55'), Ronan McCormack (for B. Young 63'), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 63'),
Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 55), Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon, Scott Young.

8 November 2003 Connacht Ireland 31–20 Ireland Ulster Sportsground  
14:30 Try: Mostyn
Con: McHugh
Pen: Elwood (2)
McHugh (6)
 Report[38] Try: Constable (2)
Con: Larkin (2)
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Attendance: 1,950
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee, Paul Steinmetz (for Stewart), Seamus Mallon.

28 November 2003 Ulster Ireland 46–5 Scotland Borders Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Cunningham
Constable (2)
Ward
Shields
Con: Wallace (5)
Pen: Wallace (2)
 Report[39] Try: Walker
 Attendance: 5,585
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Robbi Kempson (for Moore 45'), Gary Longwell (for Mustchin 45'),
Tony McWhirter (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Shane Stewart (for Constable 49'), Scott Young (for Steinmetz 71).

2 January 2004 Leinster Ireland 32–30 Ireland Ulster Donnybrook  
19:35 Try: Contepomi
Costello
Con: O'Meara (2)
Pen: O'Meara (6)
 Report[40][41] Try: Howe
Steinmetz
Humphreys
Con: Humphreys (3)
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Nigel Owens
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. James Topping,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 65), Rod Moore (for S. Best 65), Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 58),
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 65), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 62), Seamus Mallon, Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 69).

6 February 2004 Ulster Ireland 10–9 Wales Llanelli Scarlets Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Cunningham
Con: Larkin
Pen: Larkin
 Report[42] Pen: Bowen (2)
Drop: Phillips
 Attendance: 6,603
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt McCullough, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Sexton (for Shields 46), Simon Best (for Moore 65), Matt Mustchin (for Frost 46),
Warren Brosnihan, Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Stewart), Tommy Bowe.

13 February 2004 Ulster Ireland 31–19 Wales Neath-Swansea Ospreys Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: N. Best
S. Young
Wallace
Brosnihan
Con: Larkin (4)
Pen: Larkin
 Report[43][44] Try: Morris
Williams
Tiueti
Con: Henson
Tiueti
 Attendance: 5,041
Referee: Rob Dickson
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Sexton (for Shields 43), Bryan Young (for Wilson 75), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 53),
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 59), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 76), Sheldon Coulter, Andy Maxwell.

20 February 2004 Glasgow Scotland 27–25 Ireland Ulster Hughenden  
19:30 Try: A. Bulloch
Lamont
Lawson
Con: Howarth (3)
Pen: Howarth (2)
 Report[45][46] Try: N. Best
S. Young
McCullough
Con: Wallace (2)
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Attendance: 3,189
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 14), Bryan Young, Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 59),
Neil McMillan (for N. Best 55), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 67), Shane Stewart (For Larkin 56), Seamus Mallon.

28 February 2004 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 27–19 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
17:30 Try: Jarvis
Luscombe
Con: Montgomery
Pen: Montgomery (5)
 Report[47][48] Try: Wilson
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (4)
 Attendance: 4,016
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for S. Best), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell),
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace, Seamus Mallon.

5 March 2004 Ulster Ireland 36–13 Ireland Munster Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Sexton
Wallace
McMillan
S. Young
Con: Wallace (2)
Pen: Larkin (4)
 Report[49] Try: Murphy
Con: Lawler
Pen: Lawler (2)
 Attendance: 8,820
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Matt Sexton (for Shields), Bryan Young (for McCormack), Rowan Frost,
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart).

12 March 2004 Celtic Warriors Wales 0–28 Ireland Ulster Brewery Field  
19:05 Report[50] Try: Humphreys
Stewart
McMillan
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Attendance: 2,000
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields, Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
Neil Best (for McMillan), Kieran Campbell (for Topping), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham).

26 March 2004 Ulster Ireland 37–0 Scotland Edinburgh Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Howe (2)
Larkin
Sexton
Wallace
Con: Larkin (3)
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Report[51] Attendance: 6,328
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton), Bryan Young, Gary Longwell (for Frost),
Warren Brosnihan (for Ward), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Scott Young (for Howe).

3 April 2004 Cardiff Blues Wales 19–15 Ireland Ulster Cardiff Arms Park  
17:30 Try: Shanklin (2)
Williams
Con: Robinson
Harris
 Report[52] Try: Brosnihan
S. Best
Con: Humphreys
Drop: Humphreys
 Attendance: 4,500
Referee: Gregg Davies
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for McCullough),
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Seamus Mallon.

16 April 2004 Ulster Ireland 42–27 Ireland Connacht Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Bowe
Ward
Wallace
McMillan
S. Young
Con: Humphreys (4)
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Report[53] Try: Munn
McPhillips
Con: McHugh
Pen: McHugh (3)
Hewitt (2)
 Attendance: 7,286
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for McCormack), Tim Barker (for Longwell),
Neil Best (for McMillan), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), James Topping.

30 April 2004 Borders Scotland 15–19 Ireland Ulster Netherdale  
19:30 Try: Fairley
Setiti
Con: Vili
Pen: Vili
 Report[54] Try: S. Best
N. Best
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Drop: Humphreys
 Attendance: 1,200
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker, Neil McMillan (for Ward), Kieran Campbell (for Doak), Paddy Wallace (for Steinmetz), Tommy Bowe (for Cunningham).

7 May 2004 Ulster Ireland 28–6 Ireland Leinster Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Howe (2)
Humphreys
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Report[55][56] Pen: O'Meara (2)
 Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Nigel Williams
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 68), Ronan McCormack (for Moore 73), Tim Barker,
Neil McMillan (for Howe 80), Kieran Campbell (for Stewart 79), Adam Larkin (for Mallon 73), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 64).

14 May 2004 Llanelli Scarlets Wales 23–16 Ireland Ulster Stradey Park  
19:35 Try: Watkins
Pen: Jones (5)
Drop: Jones
 Report[57] Try: McMillan
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (3)
 Attendance: 10,000
Ulster lineup:

1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker (for Mustchin),
Neil McMillan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham).

Celtic Cup

[edit]
Main article: Celtic Cup (rugby union)

Quarter-final

[edit]
3 October 2003 Ulster Ireland 23 (3 tries) – 23 (2 tries) Ireland Leinster Ravenhill  
Try: Penalty try
Howe
N. Best
Con: Larkin
Pen: Larkin (2)
 Report[58][59][60] Try: O'Riordan
Brown
Con: Leek (2)
Pen: Leek (3)
 Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Nigel Owens
Ulster lineup:

1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85), James Topping (for S. Young 65),
Simon Shawe (for B. Young 82), Nigel Brady, Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 40), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 65).

Semi-final

[edit]
15 November 2003 Glasgow Scotland 13-20 Ireland Ulster Glasgow  
Try: Morrison
Con: Howarth
Pen: Parks
Drop: Parks
 Report[61][62] Try: Constable
Pen: Larkin (4)
Drop: Larkin
 Referee: H. Watkins
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Paul Shields, Simon Best (for B. Young 41), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 41),
Roger Wilson, Neil Doak (for Campbell 41), Shane Stewart, Scott Young.

Final

[edit]
20 December 2003 Edinburgh Scotland 21–27 Ireland Ulster Murrayfield, Edinburgh  
14:30 GMT Try: Simon Webster
Derrick Lee
Mike Blair
Con: Chris Paterson (3/3)
 Report[63][64] Try: Neil Best
Rowan Frost
Con: David Humphreys (1/2)
Pen: David Humphreys (5)
 Attendance: 17,174
Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)
Ulster lineup:

1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin,
6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
Paul Shields (for Sexton 58), Rod Moore, Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 68),
Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 74), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin (for Topping 58), Bryn Cunningham.

Home attendance

[edit]
Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
2003–04 Celtic League 12• 6,863 12,000 5,041 2003–04 Heineken Cup 3 11,489 12,300 10,243 116,819 7,788

Friendlies

[edit]
22 August 2003 Ulster Ireland 33-3 England Orrell Ravenhill, Belfast  
Try: Maxwell
Wallace
Ward
S. Young
Cunningham
Con: Wallace (4)
 Report[65] Pen: Slemen
 Attendance: 4,000
30 August 2003 Ulster Ireland 26-33 England London Irish Ravenhill, Belfast  
Try: McCormack
Ward
Wallace
S. Young
Con: Wallace (3)
 Report[66] Try: M. Cannon, M. Horak, D. Armitage, B. Casey
Con: M. Mapletoft (3)
 Referee: Alain Rolland

Ulster Rugby Awards

[edit]

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 20 May 2004. Winners were:[67]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gavin Mairs, "It's good Knight to a new name for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 27 January 2004
  2. ^ "New format boost for Celtic League", Irish Independent, 7 May 2003
  3. ^ [Jimmy Davidson, "Club Ulster is perfect route to success for Solomons", Belfast Telegraph, 9 May 2003
  4. ^ Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022
  5. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Topping in line to hit Ulster century", Belfast Telegraph, 31 Match 2004
  6. ^ "Tommy Bowe - IRUPA Young Player of the Year", Ulster Rugby, 20 May 2004, archived 5 June 2004
  7. ^ "Solomons Leaving Ulster", Irish Rugby, 16 February 2004
  8. ^ "McCall gets call to coach Ulster", The Irish Times, 23 March 2004
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Gavin Mairs, "Rugby: New faces on show as Ulster slip into gear", Belfast Telegraph, 4 July 2008
  10. ^ a b "Ulster sign Connacht duo", BBC Sport, 23 April 2003
  11. ^ "Moore signs for Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 August 2003
  12. ^ "Spee moves to Harlequins", BBC Sport, 4 June 2003
  13. ^ "Steinmetz heading for Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 July 2003
  14. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Solly: Young will do job", News Letter, 26 September 2003
  15. ^ "Blair to quit Ulster", RTÉ, 10 April 2003
  16. ^ Jim Stokes, "Davidson forced to retire", BBC Sport, 2 May 2003
  17. ^ Barry Coughlan, "Castres deal lures Fitzpatrick from Ulster", Irish Examiner, 4 April 2003
  18. ^ "AIL Finals Previews", The Irish Times, 10 May 2003
  19. ^ "Ulster's 2002/3 squad", BBC Sport, 2 July 2002
  20. ^ "Ulster are left with a mountain to climb", Daily Telegraph, 8 December 2003
  21. ^ "Ulster's rousing rally cry", Irish Independent, 13 December 2003
  22. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Wisdom of Solomons in finest hour", Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004
  23. ^ "Leicester 49-7 Ulster", BBC Sport, 17 January 2004
  24. ^ Eddie Butler, "Tiger bows out with a roar", Irish Independent, 18 January 2004
  25. ^ "Stade Francais 13-10 Ulster", BBC Sport, 24 January 2004
  26. ^ Michael Streeter, "Dominguez kicks break Ulster hearts", Sunday Independent, 25 January 2004
  27. ^ "Ospreys soar on debut", BBC Sport, 5 September 2003
  28. ^ "Henson class blows away Ulster defence", Belfast Telegraph, 6 September 2003
  29. ^ "Ulster back in form with crushing win over Glasgow", Irish Examiner, 13 September 2003
  30. ^ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster slay Dragons but crisis on horizon", Belfast Telegraph, 27 September 2003
  31. ^ "Munster lose to Ulster in Musgrave", Munster Rugby, 10 October 2003
  32. ^ "Larkin's late strike prove vital", Irish Independent, 11 October 2003
  33. ^ "Ulster edge out Warriors", BBC Sport, 17 October 2003
  34. ^ Ciaran Donaghy, "Rugby: Sweet 16", Belfast Telegraph, 18 October 2003
  35. ^ Ciaran Donaghy, "Constable on the beat", Sunday Life, 26 October 2003
  36. ^ "Ulster rout Edinburgh", BBC Sport, 24 October 2003
  37. ^ "Impressive Ulster out score Cardiff by four tries to one", Wales Online, 1 November 2003
  38. ^ "Connacht Break Ulster'S Winning Run", Pro12 Rugby, 8 November 2003
  39. ^ "Ulster blitz the Borders", BBC Sport, 28 November 2003
  40. ^ "Leinster edge out Ulster", BBC Sport, 2 January 2004
  41. ^ Kieran Rooney, "O'Meara flawless as Lions hang on", Irish Independent, 3 January 2004
  42. ^ "Ulster 10-9 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 6 February 2004
  43. ^ "Ulster 31-19 Ospreys", BBC Sport, 13 February 2004
  44. ^ "Ulster 31 Ospreys 19", Irish Independent, 14 February 2004
  45. ^ "Glasgow 27-25 Ulster", BBC Sport, 20 February 2004
  46. ^ "Ulster let it slide", Irish Independent, 21 February 2004
  47. ^ "Dragons 27-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 28 February 2004
  48. ^ Match Centre, Pro12 Rugby, 28 February 2004
  49. ^ "Ulster Bounce Back", Pro12 Rugby, 5 March 2004
  50. ^ "Ulster Maintain Title Charge", Pro12 Rugby, 12 March 2004
  51. ^ "Ulster Gun Down Edinburgh To Stay On Top", Pro12 Rugby, 26 March 2004
  52. ^ "Blues Dent Ulster Hopes", Pro12 Rugby, 3 April 2004
  53. ^ "Ulster Fight Back To Retain Ravenhill Record", Pro12 Rugby, 16 April 2004
  54. ^ "Ulster Win Keeps Them On Target", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2004
  55. ^ "Ulster'S Win Keeps Title Hopes Alive", Pr12 Rugby, 7 May 2004
  56. ^ "Stylish Ulster miss out on bonus point", Irish Independent, 8 May 2004
  57. ^ "Scarlets Crowned Celtic Champions", Pro12 Rugby, 14 May 2004
  58. ^ "Ulster Win Through On Try Count", Pro12 Rugby, 3 October 2003
  59. ^ "Ulster earn countback win", BBC Sport, 3 October 2003
  60. ^ Kieran Rooney, "Ulster try count downs Leinster", Irish Independent, 4 October 2003
  61. ^ "Ulster edge out Glasgow", BBC Sport, 14 November 2003
  62. ^ "Constable's try decisive as Ulster net final spot", Irish Independent, 15 November 2003
  63. ^ "Ulster hold on for victory", BBC Sport, 20 December 2003
  64. ^ Brendan Fanning, "Humphreys king of Celtic warriors", Sunday Independent, 21 December 2003
  65. ^ Gavin Mairs, "New star Maxwell takes off", Belfast Telegraph, 23 August 2003
  66. ^ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster are just far too friendly", Ireland's Saturday Night, 30 August 2003
  67. ^ "Emotional end to Ulster season", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2004
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