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2008–09 Ulster Rugby season

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2008–09 Ulster Rugby season
Isaac Boss prepares to feed the scrum vs. Ospreys, Liberty Stadium, 27 September 2008
Ground(s)Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Matt Williams
Captain(s)Rory Best
Top scorerIan Humphreys (90)
Most triesDarren Cave (7)
Simon Danielli (7)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (8th)
1st kit
2nd kit
← 2007–08 2009–10 →

The 2008–09 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 15th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their only full season under head coach Matt Williams.

David Humphreys, who retired at the end of last season, was appointed to the newly created role of operations director, reporting to chief executive Michael Reid.[1] Peter Sharp joined as defence coach in August 2008.[2] Current player Paul Steinmetz was appointed backs coach.[3] Former Ulster players Jonny Bell and Niall Malone joined the academy as Elite Player Development Officers.[4]

New signings included Humphreys' younger brother Ian, who had been playing for Leicester Tigers since 2005.[5] Fijian winger Timoci Nagusa joined from Tailevu Knights.[6]

Ulster finished third in their Heineken Cup pool, and eighth in the Celtic League. One highlight of an otherwise disappointing season was a win over Munster at Thomond Park in January, the first time Munster had lost at home in European competition. Three of Ulster's five tries came from Ian Humphreys' assists.[5] Ulster qualified for next season's Heineken Cup as one of Ireland's top three teams, finishing ahead of Connacht in the league.[6] Matt Williams left by mutual consent at the end of the season.[7] Assistant coach Steve Williams also left after his contract was not renewed.[8] For the following season, Ulster put a new management structure in place. Michael Reid was chief executive; David Humphreys was director of rugby, with overall responsibility for the senior team, the Ulster 'A' team (renamed the Ulster Ravens), the Ulster under-20s and the academy; and Brian McLaughlin was appointed head coach, assisted by forwards coaches Jeremy Davidson and Peter Sharp, and backs coach Neil Doak.[9]

Rory Best was Ulster's Player of the Year, and flanker Stephen Ferris was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Staff

[edit]
Position[3] Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Michael Reid  Ireland
Operations director David Humphreys  Ireland
Director or coaching Matt Williams  Australia
Assistant coach (forwards) Steve Williams  Wales
Defence Coach Peter Sharp  Australia
Backs coach/player Paul Steinmetz  New Zealand
Skills coach Neil Doak  Ireland
Scrum co-ordinator Reggie Corrigan  Ireland
Team manager David Millar  Ireland
Head of strength and conditioning Jonny Davis  Ireland
Medical co-ordinator Dr. David Irwin  Ireland
Assistant team doctor Dr. Michael Webb  Ireland
Head physiotherapist Gareth Robinson  Ireland
Physiotherapist Alan McCaldin  Ireland
Performance analyst Alex McCloy  Ireland
Resources manager Mick Ennis  Australia
Team administration co-ordinator Sarah Sherry  Ireland

Squad

[edit]

Senior squad

[edit]
Ulster Rugby squad[26]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. Italics denotes academy players who appeared in the senior team.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.

Academy squad

[edit]
Position[27] Name Nationality
High Performance Director Gary Longwell  Ireland
Elite Player Development Officer Jonny Bell  Ireland
Elite Player Development Officer Niall Malone  Ireland
Strength & conditioning coach Aaron Peck  England
Academy squad

Props

Hookers

  • Ireland Stephen Douglas (3)
  • Ireland David McGregor (1)

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

  • none

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

Heineken Cup

[edit]
Main article: 2008–09 Heineken Cup

Pool 4

[edit]
Team P W D L Tries for Tries against Try diff Points for Points against Points diff TB LB Pts
England Harlequins (3) 6 5 0 1 16 12 4 144 115 29 2 0 22
France Stade Français 6 3 0 3 13 11 2 131 109 22 1 2 15
Ireland Ulster 6 2 1 3 13 13 0 113 134 −21 0 1 11
Wales Scarlets 6 1 1 4 12 18 −6 124 154 −30 0 2 8
11 October 2008
15:30 		Ulster Ireland 10 – 26 France Stade Français Ravenhill, Belfast  
Tries: P. Wallace 74' c
Conv: N. O'Connor (1/1)
Pen: N. O'Connor (1) 49' 		Report[28] Tries: G. Bousses 23' c
D. Szarzewski 60' c
Conv: L. Beauxis (2/2)
Pen: L. Beauxis (1) 15'
Drop: J. Hernández (2) 10', 26'
L. Beauxis (1) 63' 		Attendance: 10,397
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 74'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick,
18. Carlo del Fava (for Steinmetz 57'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 68'),
20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Schifkofske 45').

18 October 2008
15:00 		Harlequins England 42 – 21 Ireland Ulster Twickenham Stoop Stadium, London  
Tries: J. Turner-Hall 15' m
T. Williams (2) 26' m, 61' m
D. Care 33' c
Penalty Try 40' c
M. Brown 43' c
Conv: C. Malone (3/6)
Pen: C. Malone (2) 7', 66' 		Report[29] Tries: T. Nagusa 2' c
P. Wallace 52' c
A. Trimble 57' c
Conv: N. O'Connor (3/3) 		Attendance: 12,368
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha,
4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Tagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 72'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 47'),
18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Del Fava 47'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 52'),
20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 66'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 63'), 22. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 66).

5 December 2008
20:00 		Ulster Ireland 26 – 16 Wales Scarlets Ravenhill, Belfast  
Tries: D. Cave 25' c
S. Danielli 34' m
D. Pollock 64' m
Conv: I. Humphreys (1/3)
Pen: I. Humphreys (3) 7', 40', 59' 		Report[30] Tries: C. Thomas 79' c
Conv: S. Jones (1/1)
Pen: S. Jones (3) 10', 28', 47' 		Attendance: 8,729
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for J. Fitzpatrick 52'),
18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 67'),
20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 72'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Steinmetz 69').

12 December 2008
20:00 		Scarlets Wales 16 – 16 Ireland Ulster Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli  
Tries: D. Daniel 46' c
Conv: S. Jones (1/1)
Pen: S. Jones (3) 20', 53', 78' 		Report[31] Tries: I. Humphreys 23' m
P. Wallace 32' m
Conv: I. Humphreys (0/2)
Pen: I. Humphreys 71'
Drop: I. Humphreys 12' 		Attendance: 8,026
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha),
18. Matt McCullough (for Caldwell), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock),
20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Cave), 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham).

17 January 2009
14:35 		Ulster Ireland 21 – 10 England Harlequins Ravenhill, Belfast  
Tries: D. Cave 1' c
R. Best 78' m
Conv: I. Humphreys (1/1)
C. Schifcofske (0/1)
Pen: I. Humphreys (3/3) 8', 29', 39' 		Report[32] Try: Penalty try 60' c
Conv: N. Evans (1/1)
Pen: N. Evans (1/1) 43'
C. Malone (0/1) 		Attendance: 8,861
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Tom Court,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick 61'),
18. Matt McCullough (for Henry 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 61'),
20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 58'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 41').

24 January 2009
14:35 		Stade Français France 24 – 19 Ireland Ulster Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris  
Tries: J. Leguizamón 54' m
M. Gasnier 77' c
Conv: L. Beauxis (1/2)
Pen: L. Beauxis (4/6) 28', 29', 49', 58' 		Report[33] Tries: P. Steimetz 37' m
N. Brady 80' m
Conv: N. O'Connor (0/1)
C. Schifcofske (0/1)
Pen: N. O'Connor (1/3) 15'
C. Schifcofske (2/3) 46', 72' 		Attendance: 8,450
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Chris Henry,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Young 52'),
18. Kieron Dawson (for Henry 48'), 19. Willie Faloon (for McCullough 71'),
20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall 47'), 21. Rob Dewey, 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 76').

Celtic League

[edit]
Main article: 2008–09 Celtic League
Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Ireland Munster 18 14 0 4 405 257 +148 49 23 6 1 63
2 Scotland Edinburgh 18 11 0 7 416 296 +120 40 30 6 5 55
3 Ireland Leinster 18 11 1 6 401 270 +131 38 20 4 2 52
4 Wales Ospreys 18 11 0 7 397 319 +78 39 28 3 5 52
5 Wales Scarlets 18 9 0 9 376 395 −19 41 46 3 1 40
6 Wales Cardiff Blues 18 8 1 9 322 361 −39 31 36 2 2 38
7 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 18 7 0 11 349 375 −26 36 41 4 5 37
8 Ireland Ulster 18 7 0 11 298 331 −33 30 33 2 6 36
9 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 18 7 0 11 305 429 −124 26 39 1 4 33
10 Ireland Connacht 18 4 0 14 224 460 −236 20 54 1 3 20
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 2013-11-22 at the Wayback Machine
5 September 2008 Ulster Ireland 9–16 Wales Scarlets Ravenhill  
19:30 Pen: Schifcofske (3)
 Report[34] Try: Daniel
Con: Jones
Pen: Jones (3)
 Attendance: 7,368
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ed O'Donoghue,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 66'),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 23'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 66'),
20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Bryn Cunningham.

12 September 2008 Cardiff Blues Wales 16–15 Ireland Ulster Cardiff City Stadium  
19:05 Try: Halfpenny
Con: Blair
Pen: Blair (3)
 Report[35] Try: Botha
Boss
Con: O'Connor
Pen: O'Connor
 Attendance: 8,619
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 48'),
18. Kieron Dawson, 19. TJ Anderson (for Pollock 42'),
20. Cillian Willis, 21. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 12'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 20').

19 September 2008 Ulster Ireland 14–16 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Dawson
Humphreys
Con: Schifcofske (2)
 Report[36] Try: Smith
Con: Arlidge
Pen: Arlidge (3)
 Attendance: 7,885
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 61'), 19. TJ Anderson (for McCullough 66'),
20. Paddy Wallace (for Boss 61'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 36'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Dewey 72').

27 September 2008 Ospreys Wales 43–0 Ireland Ulster Liberty Stadium  
17:30 Try: Wells
Hook (2)
Williams
Bowe
Byrne
Jones
Con: Hook (5)
Pen: Hook
 Report[37] Attendance: 7,225
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Clinton Schifcofske, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Rob Dewey, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 66'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 51'),
18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Caldwell 67'), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McCullough 59'),
20. Paul Marshall (for Boss (68'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 70'), 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Cunningham 30').

3 October 2008 Ulster Ireland 13–9 Scotland Edinburgh Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Pollock
Con: Schifcofske
Pen: Schifcofske
 Report[38] Pen: Blair (2)
Godman
 Attendance: 8,418
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 60'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 60'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 76'),
20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 43'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Timoci Nagusa.

25 October 2008 Ulster Ireland 22–6 Ireland Munster Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Nagusa (2)
Boss
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys
 Report[39] Pen: Warwick
 Attendance: 10,058
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 47'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 47'), 19. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 71'),
20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 12'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Cunningham 71').

28 November 2008 Ulster Ireland 53–13 Ireland Connacht Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Ferris
Nagusa
Danielli (2)
McCrea
Cave
Cunningham
Con: Humphreys (6)
Pen: Humphreys (2)
 Report[40] Try: Carr
Con: Keatley
Pen: Keatley (2)
 Attendance: 8,841
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 67'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 56'),
18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson,
20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 67'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Wallace 1'), 22. Simon Danielli (for Nagusa 36').

27 December 2008 Ulster Ireland 13–21 Ireland Leinster Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Cave
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (2)
 Report[41] Try: Elsom
Keogh
Con: Contepomi
Pen: Contepomi (3)
 Attendance: 13,500
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 48'),
18. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'),
20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham 41').

3 January 2009 Munster Ireland 11–37 Ireland Ulster Thomond Park Stadium  
19:30 Try: Howlett
Pen: Warwick (2)
 Report[42] Try: Wallace
Cave
McCrea
Court
Trimble
Con: Humphreys (3)
Pen: Humphreys (2)
 Attendance: 25,623
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (for Brady 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'),
18. Filo Paulo (for McCullough 57'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 68'),
20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 75'), 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Mark McCrea (for Nagusa 13').

9 January 2009 Edinburgh Scotland 21–15 Ireland Ulster Murrayfield  
19:45 Try: Southwell
Hamilton
Con: Godman
Pen: Godman (3)
 Report[43] Pen: Humphreys (4)
Wallace
 Attendance: 3,393
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark McCrea,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for Best 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 50'),
18. Filo Paulo (for Diack 32'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'),
20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 73'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Cave 67').

22 February 2009 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 26–16 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
16:10 Try: Tovey (3)
Con: Tovey
Pen: Connor
Tovey (2)
 Report[44] Try: Danielli
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys
Schifcofske (2)
 Attendance: 6,112
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava,
6. David Pollock, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 53'), 17. Brian Young (for Court 58'),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough 69'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Henry 64'),
20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Ian Whitten (for Steinmetz 45').

7 March 2009 Ulster Ireland 12–0 Scotland Glasgow Warriors Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Cave
Trimble
Con: Humphreys
 Report[45] Attendance: 8,286
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 41'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough 63'),
20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 65'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 71').

29 March 2009 Leinster Ireland 32–6 Ireland Ulster RDS Arena  
17:30 Try: McFadden
Cullen
Elsom
Keogh
Con: Contepomi (3)
Pen: Contepomi (2)
 Report[46] Pen: Humphreys
Schifcofske
 Attendance: 15,940
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for Best 70'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 54'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 56'), 19. Robbie Diack (for McCullough 54'),
20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 64'), 21. Ian Whitten (for Humphreys 55'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Cave 69').

3 April 2009 Ulster Ireland 13–16 Wales Ospreys Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Danielli
Con: Schifcofske
Pen: Schifcofske (2)
 Report[47] Try: Tiatia
Con: Hook
Pen: Hook (3)
 Attendance: 9,600
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Chris Henry, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Simon Danielli,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Young 74'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 71'), 19. Willie Faloon,
20. Cillian Willis, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa.

17 April 2009 Glasgow Warriors Scotland 19–20 Ireland Ulster Firhill Stadium  
19:30 Try: Evans
Con: Gregor
Pen: Gregor (2)
Parks
 Report[48] Try: Pollock
Danielli
Con: Schifcofske (2)
Pen: Schifcofske (2)
 Attendance: 2,960
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Ian Whitten, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Daniel Roach,
18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry,
20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Darren Cave.

24 April 2009 Ulster Ireland 9–11 Wales Cardiff Blues Ravenhill  
19:30 Pen: Schifcofske
O'Connor
Drop: O'Connor
 Report[49] Try: Loxton
Pen: Sweeney
 Attendance: 7,809
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Clinton Schifkofske.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court,
18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry,
20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa.

8 May 2009 Connacht Ireland 12–14 Ireland Ulster Sportsground  
19:00 Try: Carr
Browne
Con: Keatley
 Report[50] Try: Danielli
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Schifcofske
 Attendance: 1,425
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofkse,
15. Isaac Boss.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for Best 80'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 64'),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 51'), 19. Matt McCullough,
20. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 51'), 21. Rob Dewey (for Cave 72'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Whitten 64').

16 May 2009 Scarlets Wales 43–17 Ireland Ulster Parc y Scarlets  
19:30 Try: Evans
Day
Williams
Daniel
Roberts
Lyons
Con: Priestland (5)
Pen: Priestland
 Report[51] Try: Paul Marshall
Cave
Con: O'Connor
Humphreys
Drop: O'Connor
 Attendance: 6,219
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Isaac Boss.
Replacements:
16. Neil Hanna (for D. Fitzpatrick 69'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57'),
18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Henry 41')
20. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 52'), 21. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 64'), 22. Clinton Schifcofke.

Home attendance

[edit]
Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
2008–09 Celtic League 9 9,085 13,500 7,368 2008–09 Heineken Cup 3 9,329 10,397 8,729 109,752 9,146

Friendlies

[edit]
15 August 2008 Ulster Ireland 7-15 England Bath Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: Cave
Con: Schifcofske
 Report[52] Try: Crane (2)
Con: Berne
Pen: Kydd
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo Del Fava,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor,
11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Chris Cochrane,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
Neil Hanna, Jarlath Carey, Filo Paulo, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Bryn Cunningham, Ian Whitten, Willie Faloon, T. J. Anderson, Seamus Mallon.

22 August 2008 Ulster Ireland 24-0 Australia Queensland Reds Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: Dewey
Cochrane
Nagusa
Con: Schifcofske (2)
Wallace
Pen: Schifcofske
 Report[53]
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court,
4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. T. J. Anderson, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Chris Cochrane, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.
Replacements:
Neil Hanna (for Best 57'), Jarlath Carey (for Court 65'), Chris Henry (for Anderson 70'), Filo Paulo (for McCullough 33'), Cillian Willis (for Cave 68'), Rob Dewey (for Humphreys 40'), Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 56')

27 August 2008 Ulster Ireland 10-23 England Worcester Warriors Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: McCrea
Con: Humpreys
Pen: Humpreys
 Report[54] Try: Bowley
Talei
Powell
Con: Jones
Pen: Jones
Crichton
Ulster lineup:

1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Carlo Del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Stuart Philpott, Justin Fitzpatrick, Filo Paulo, Willie Faloon, Cillian Willis, T. J. Anderson, Niall O'Connor, Ian Whitten, Rob Dewey, Robbie Diack.

13 November 2008 Ulster Ireland 62–6 Portugal Portugal Ravenhill Stadium  
19:30 Try: Cave (4)
McCrea (2)
Nagusa (2)
Hanna
Whitten
Con: Humphreys (3)
O'Connor (3)
 Report[55] Pen: Cabral (2)
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Neil Hanna, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Filo Paulo, 5. Ed O'Donoghue,
6. TJ Anderson, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Mark McCrea, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Jarlath Carey,
18. Justin Fitzpatrick, 19. Kieron Dawson,
20. Isaac Boss, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Paul Steinmetz,
23. Chris Henry, 24. James Sandford, 25. Chris Cochrane.

Ulster Rugby Awards

[edit]

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 14 May 2009 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. Winners were:[56]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Richard Mulligan, "New role for Humphreys at Ulster", News Letter, 5 June 2008
  2. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Peter has been Sharp man for Ulster: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 11 December 2008
  3. ^ a b "Club Profiles - Team Management", Ulster Rugby, archived, 13 September 2008
  4. ^ Richard Mulligan, "'Old Hands' are back in the Ravenhill fold", News Letter, 14 August 2008
  5. ^ a b c "Ulster’s maverick out half: Ian Humphreys", The Front Row Union, 6 May 2020
  6. ^ a b "Ulster’s flying Fijian: Timoci Nagusa", The Front Row Union, 2 May 2020
  7. ^ "Williams resigns as Ulster coach", BBC Sport, 20 May 2009
  8. ^ "Williams quits as Ulster rugby boss", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2009
  9. ^ "McLaughlin Confirmed As New Ulster Coach", Irish Rugby, 23 June 2009
  10. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Botha is a huge addition to Ulster squad", News Letter, 15 August 2008
  11. ^ a b c d Gavin Mairs, "Schifcofske can be best kicker since Mason: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 29 July 2008
  12. ^ "Ulster sign Fijian flyer", Planet Rugby, 30 July 2008
  13. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Williams lauds medical expertise", News Letter, 7 January 2009
  14. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Ulster sign young Australian prop", News Letter, 21 June 2008
  15. ^ Gavin Mairs, "'It's like having your own personal coach by your side'", Belfast Telegraph, 8 October 2008
  16. ^ Gavin Mairs, "McCrea wants to cap new deal with Bourgoin victory", Belfast Telegraph, 11 January 2008
  17. ^ "Ulster's Tim Barker reaches deal to join Castres", Irish Independent, 12 November 2007
  18. ^ a b c d Richard Mulligan, "End of the line for Ravenhill servants", News Letter, 6 May 2008
  19. ^ "Simon Best Announces His Retirement From Rugby", Irish Rugby, 25 February 2008
  20. ^ "Bowe to join Ospreys", Irish Times, 25 January 2008
  21. ^ "Northampton confirm Best signing". BBC News. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  22. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Changing of the guard and colours", News Letter, 19 May 2008
  23. ^ "Miles delighted to be back home", BBC Sport, 18 September 2008
  24. ^ "Harlequins would like to announce the signing of Neil McMillan". Quins. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  25. ^ Dragons line up Kiwi pair – icWales
  26. ^ Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
  27. ^ "Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy", Ulster Rugby, archived 3 February 2009
  28. ^ "Stade too strong for Ulster", ESPN, 11 October 2008, via Internet Archive
  29. ^ "Harlequins 42-21 Ulster", BBC Sport, 18 October 2008
  30. ^ "Ulster register deserved win against Scarlets", ESPN, 5 December 2008
  31. ^ "Scarlets battle back for share of spoils", ESPN, 12 December 2008
  32. ^ "Ulster breeze past Harlequins in a stormy Cup encounter", The Guardian, 19 January 2009
  33. ^ "Ulster miss chances in France", Sky Sports, 24 January 2009
  34. ^ "Ulster 9-16 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 5 September 2008
  35. ^ "Ulster given a dose of the Blues", Sky Sports, 12 September 2008
  36. ^ "Dragons add to Ulster woes", Sky Sports, 19 September 2008
  37. ^ "Ospreys 43-0 Ulster", BBC Sport, 27 September 2008
  38. ^ "Ulster finally break duck", Sky Sports, 4 October 2008
  39. ^ "Ulster off the bottom", Sky Sports, 25 October 2008
  40. ^ "Ulster demolish Connacht", Sky Sports, 28 November 2008
  41. ^ "Leinster reign at Ravenhill", Sky Sports, 27 December 2008
  42. ^ "Munster 11-37 Ulster", BBC Sport, 3 January 2009
  43. ^ "Ulster crash at Murrayfield", Sky Sports, 9 January 2009
  44. ^ "Tovey magic stuns Ulster", Sky Sports, 22 January 2009
  45. ^ "Ulster end losing run", Sky Sports, 7 March 2009
  46. ^ "Leinster see off Ulster", Sky Sports, 29 March 2009
  47. ^ "Ospreys edge out Ulster", Sky Sports, 3 April 2009
  48. ^ "Ulster Dig Deep To Score Rare Scottish Win", Pro12 Rugby, 17 April 2009
  49. ^ "Ulster Misfire As Cardiff Claim Narrow Win", Irish Rugby, 24 April 2009
  50. ^ "Connacht 12-14 Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 May 2009
  51. ^ "Scarlets 43-17 Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 May 2009
  52. ^ Michael Sadlier, "New-look Ulster run out of ideas against Bath", Belfast Telegraph, 16 August 2008
  53. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Improved Ulster find scoring touch", News Letter, 23 August 2008
  54. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Williams' Ulster fail to impress at home", News Letter, 28 August 2008
  55. ^ "Ulster 62-6 Portugal", BBC Sport, 11 November 2008
  56. ^ Richard Mulligan, "Ferris claims top accolade", News Letter, 15 May 2009
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