2005–06 Ulster Rugby season

2005–06 Ulster Rugby season
Ground(s)	Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)	Mark McCall
Captain(s)	Simon Best, Justin Harrison[1]
Top scorer	David Humphreys (267)
Most tries	Tommy Bowe (11)
League(s)	Heineken Cup (3rd in pool); Celtic League (champions)
← 2004–05	2006–07 →

In the 2005–06 season, Ulster were Celtic League champions for the first time. This was their eleventh season under professionalism, and their second under head coach Mark McCall. They also competed in the Heineken Cup.

In pre-season, Gary Longwell replaced Maurice Field as head of the academy.[2] Scrum-half Neil Doak retired as a player and became a High Performance Coach with the academy.[3] Flanker and captain Andy Ward also retired.[4] New signings included Australian international lock Justin Harrison,[5] and Irish-qualified New Zealand-born scrum-half Isaac Boss.[6] Prop Justin Fitzpatrick returned from Castres Olympique.[7]

Ulster finished top of the table in the Celtic League. Tommy Bowe was the league's top try scorer with ten. David Humphreys was second top points scorer with 229, and second leading marksman with 81 successful goal kicks. Justin Harrison was joint top of the appearances table with 20.[8] In the Heineken Cup, they finished third in Pool 4, failing to qualify for the knockout stage.

Players who made their debuts this season include flanker Stephen Ferris,[9] prop Declan Fitzpatrick,[10] centre Andrew Trimble,[11] and lock Ryan Caldwell,[10] Andrew Trimble was Ulster's Player of the Year, and IRUPA Newcomer of the Year. Neil Best won the IRUPA Unsung Hero award.[12]

Staff

Position[13]	Name	Nationality
Director of Coaching	Mark McCall	Ireland
Assistant coach (forwards)	Allen Clarke	Ireland
Assistant coach (defence)	Neil Kelly	England

Squad

Senior squad

Players in

Isaac Boss from Waikato[14]
Ryan Caldwell from Dungannon[15]
Justin Fitzpatrick from Castres Olympique[14]
Justin Harrison from New South Wales[14]
Henry Head from Ballymena[16]
Andrew Trimble from Ballymena[17]

Promoted from academy

Players out

Tim Barker to Glasgow[19]
Gary Brown released
Neil Doak retired[14]
Gary Longwell retired[2]
Seamus Mallon to Northampton Saints[20]
Ronan McCormack to Leinster[21]
Matt Mustchin to Edinburgh[14]
Gavin Pfister released[22]
Simon Shawe released
Andy Ward retired[14]

Ulster Rugby squad[14][23]
Props Simon Best (22 apps, 22 starts, 5 pts) Bryan Young (23 apps, 17 starts) Justin Fitzpatrick (19 apps, 11 starts) Declan Fitzpatrick (4 apps, 2 starts) Rod Moore (1 app) John Andress (no apps) Hookers Rory Best (23 apps, 21 starts, 15 pts) Nigel Brady (9 apps, 3 starts) Paul Shields (8 apps, 2 starts) Locks Justin Harrison (26 apps, 26 starts, 10 pts) Matt McCullough (23 apps, 23 starts, 10 pts) Rowan Frost* (11 apps, 2 starts) Ryan Caldwell (8 apps, 1 start) Henry Head (1 app)[24] Lewis Stevenson (no apps)	Back row Roger Wilson (26 apps, 26 starts, 20 pts) Neil Best (25 apps, 24 starts, 30 pts) Neil McMillan (25 apps, 16 starts, 10 pts) Stephen Ferris (17 apps, 11 starts, 5 pts) Campbell Feather (4 apps, 1 start) Oisin Hennessy (no apps) Scrum-halves Isaac Boss* (21 apps, 14 starts, 15 pts) Kieran Campbell (19 apps, 12 starts) Reece Spee* (1 app) Fly-halves David Humphreys (22 apps, 22 starts, 267 pts) Adam Larkin (7 apps, 3 starts)	Centres Andrew Trimble (22 apps, 22 starts, 42 pts) Kevin Maggs (18 apps, 16 starts, 5 pts) Paul Steinmetz (17 apps, 15 starts, 48 pts) Paddy Wallace (11 apps, 7 starts, 24 pts) Jonny Bell (8 apps, 5 starts) Shane Stewart (no apps) Wings Tommy Bowe (23 apps, 23 starts, 55 pts) James Topping (15 apps, 11 starts, 10 pts) Andy Maxwell (12 apps, 11 starts, 45 pts) Tyrone Howe (5 apps, 5 pts) Fullbacks Bryn Cunningham (21 apps, 21 starts, 10 pts) Scott Young (no apps)

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

Academy squad

Players in

Darren Cave
Paul Marshall
David Pollock
Stuart Philpott
Mark Kettyle

Players out

Gary Maxwell
Thomas Horner
Glenn Moore
Mark Scott
Jamie McGrugan
Blair Clements

Academy squad
Props John Andress Niall Conlon Hookers Stuart Philpott (1) Locks Lewis Stevenson	Back row Chris Henry Oisin Hennessy David Pollock (1) Scrum-halves Paul Marshall (1) Fly-halves Gareth Steenson	Centres Darren Cave (1) Stuart Megaw Glen Telford (3) Wings Paul McKenzie Fullbacks Mark Kettyle (1)

2005–06 Heineken Cup

Pool 4

Team	P	W	L	Tries for	Tries against	Try diff	Points for	Points against	Points diff	TB	LB	Pts
Biarritz (2)	6	5	1	24	10	+14	182	93	+89	4	0	24
Saracens	6	4	2	12	13	−1	128	129	−1	1	0	17
Ulster	6	3	3	15	13	+2	126	111	+15	2	0	14
Benetton Treviso	6	0	6	13	28	−15	104	207	−103	2	1	3

21 October 2005
19:30

Ulster	27–0	Benetton Treviso
Try: Wilson 20' N. Best 57' McMillan 75' Maggs Con: David Humphreys (2) 20', 75' Pen: David Humphreys 6'	Report[25][26]

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,252
Referee: Jean-Pierre Matheu

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Wilson 29-39), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison 79), 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Reece Spee (for Boss 22), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Topping 59).

29 October 2005
16:00

Biarritz	33–19	Ulster
Try: Badabé (2) 1', 14' Bălan 4' Gobelet 73' Con: Yachvili (2) 15', 73' Pen: Yachvili (2) 40', 65' Drop: Peyrelongue 80' +5'	Report[27][28]	Try: N. Best 18' S. Best 59' Pen: David Humphreys (3) 7', 32', 68'

Parc des Sports Aquil
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Nigel Whitehouse

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick 71), 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Campbell Feather (for McMillan 80), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Topping 47).

9 December 2005
19:30

Ulster	19–10	Saracens
Try: R. Best 78' Con: David Humphreys 79' Pen: David Humphreys (4) 25', 55', 71', 77'	Report[29][30]	Try: Jackson 14' Con: Jackson 15' Pen: Jackson 61'

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Eric Darriere

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan 40), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell 72), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

17 December 2005
13:00

Saracens	18–10	Ulster
Try: Skirving 3' Yates 40' +4' Con: Jackson 4' Pen: Jackson (2) 67', 80' + 5'	Report[31]	Try: Bowe 5' Con: David Humphreys 6' Pen: David Humphreys 78'

Vicarage Road
Attendance: 8,571
Referee: Joël Jutge

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 80), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Ferris 70), 19. Stephen Ferris (for N. Best 38), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell 57), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

13 January 2006
19:30

Ulster	8–24	Biarritz
Try: Best 5' Pen: David Humphreys 51'	Report[32]	Try: Bobo 30' Bălan 62' Con: Yachvili 62' Pen: Yachvili (3) 11', 72' 79' Drop: Peyrelongue 80' + 1'

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Dave Pearson

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough 70), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris 68), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 61), 22. James Topping (for Maggs 77).

21 January 2006
16:00

Benetton Treviso	26–43	Ulster
Try: Tejeda (2) 39', 40' +3' Williams 42' Palmer 67' Con: Goosen (3) 39', 40' + 3', 67'	Report[33]	Try: Maxwell (3) 3', 21', 33' Trimble (2) 52', 79' Wallace 60' Con: Steinmetz (5) 4', 22', 34', 52' 79' Pen: Steinmetz 41'

Stadio Comunale di Monigo
Attendance: 3,500
Referee: Wayne Barnes

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. James Topping, 15. Tommy Bowe. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady 56), 17. Rod Moore (for Young 70), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough 78), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris 61), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss 50), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Larkin 60), 22. Jonny Bell (for Topping 68).

2005-06 Celtic League

	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	Try bonus	Losing bonus	Pts
1	Ulster	20	15	1	4	510	347	+163	49	31	3	2	75
2	Leinster	20	14	0	6	545	427	+118	59	45	8	2	74
3	Munster	20	12	0	8	439	372	+67	49	42	7	3	66
4	Cardiff Blues	20	11	0	9	475	389	+86	51	38	6	5	63
5	Edinburgh Gunners	20	11	0	9	418	415	+3	48	45	5	3	60
6	Llanelli Scarlets	20	10	1	9	418	402	+16	49	37	3	4	57
7	Ospreys	20	11	0	9	381	409	−28	33	38	1	2	55
8	Newport Gwent Dragons	20	7	0	13	355	456	−101	40	51	2	7	45
9	Border Reivers	20	7	0	13	386	501	−115	39	59	1	7	44
10	Connacht	20	6	0	14	325	466	−141	28	51	1	4	37
11	Glasgow Warriors	20	5	0	15	371	439	−68	39	47	2	7	37
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)
Due to the uneven number of participating teams, each team had two free weekends and were awarded 4 match points each time.
Source: RaboDirect PRO12 Archived 22 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine

9 September 2005
19:10

Cardiff Blues	22–25	Ulster
Try: Morgan Con: Robinson Pen: Robinson (5)	Report[34]	Try: Bowe Con: David Humphreys Pen: David Humphreys (5) Drop: David Humphreys

Cardiff Arms Park
Attendance: 5,784
Referee: Rob Dickson

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young, 18. Rowan Frost ( for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

16 September 2005
19:30

Ulster	30–23	Edinburgh Gunners
Try: Bowe Trimble Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (6)	Report[35]	Try: Dewey Leonelli Con: Paterson (2) Pen: Paterson (2) Drop: Paterson

Ravenhill
Attendance: 7,799
Referee: Phil Fear

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Trimble).

24 September 2005
17:30

Newport Gwent Dragons	19–22	Ulster
Try: Gough Con: Warlow Pen: Warlow (3) Drop: Warlow	Report[36]	Try: N. Best (2) Trimble Con: Wallace (2) Pen: Wallace

Rodney Parade
Attendance: 5,112
Referee: Malcolm Changleng

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. James Topping, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Rowan Frost, 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Reece Spee, 21. Shane Stewart, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

1 October 2005
17:30

Leinster	30–23	Ulster
Try: Hickie Potts Con: Contepomi Pen: Contepomi (6)	Report[37]	Try: Wallace Best Con: David Humphreys (2) Pen: David Humphreys (3)

Donnybrook
Attendance: 6,500
Referee: Olan Trevor

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough, 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

7 October 2005
19:10

Ulster	36–10	Connacht
Try: R. Best Bowe Topping McCullough Trimble Con: Humphreys (2) Cunningham Wallace Pen: Cunningham	Report[38]	Try: Matthews Con: Robinson Pen: Warwick

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,546
Referee: Alain Rolland

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Rowan Frost (for Harrison), 19. Campbell Feather (for McMillan), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

15 October 2005
19:30

Border Reivers	0–27	Ulster
	Report[39]	Try: Topping N. Best Boss Con: Humphreys (3) Pen: Humphreys (2)

Netherdale
Attendance: 1,857
Referee: Phil Fear

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Stephen Ferris (for Wilson), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Trimble).

4 November 2005
19:10

Ulster	12–20	Ospreys
Pen: Steinmetz (4)	Report[40]	Try: Spice Pen: Connor (4) Drop: Connor

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,310
Referee: Ian Heard

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Declan Fitzpatrick, 17. Rod Moore (for Young), 18. Henry Head (for Caldwell), 19. Stephen Ferris (for Feather), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Jonny Bell.

3 December 2005
19:10

Munster	17–20	Ulster
Try: D. Wallace Flannery Con: O'Gara (2) Drop: O'Gara	Report[41]	Try: Bowe Andrew Trimble Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (2)

Musgrave Park
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Alain Rolland

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Ryan Caldwell 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

26 December 2005
17:00

Ulster	19–24	Leinster
Try: Bowe Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (4)	Report[42]	Try: D'Arcy Dempsey Con: Contepomi Pen: Contepomi (4)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: George Clancy

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell 19. Stephen Ferris, 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

31 December 2005
14:00

Connacht	22–12	Ulster
Try: Slemen Lacey McPhillips Con: Slemen (2) Pen: Slemen	Report[43]	Pen: Humphreys (4)

Sportsground
Attendance: 2,100
Referee: Alan Lewis

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Frost), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Maggs).

7 January 2006
15:30

Ulster	25–23	Glasgow Warriors
Try: Humphreys Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (6)	Report[44]	Try: Hamilton Morrison Con: Parks (2) Pen: Parks (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 6,487
Referee: Phil Fear

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Frost), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell.

27 January 2006
19:30

Ulster	30–13	Llanelli Scarlets
Try: Howe Maxwell Con: Steinmetz Pen: Steinmetz (6)	Report[45]	Try: James Con: Davies (2)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 7,986
Referee: Peter Allan

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Rod Moore, 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Neil Best (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell).

17 February 2006
19:30

Edinburgh Gunners	23–31	Ulster
Try: Hodge Penalty try Con: Hodge (2) Pen: Hodge (3)	Report[46]	Try: Maxwell (2) Boss Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (4)

Murrayfield
Attendance: 3,559
Referee: Nigel Whitehouse

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell (for Topping).

3 March 2006
19:35

Ulster	27–3	Munster
Try: Bowe Steinmetz McMillan Wilson Harrison Con: Humphreys	Report[47]	Pen: Burke

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Alain Rolland

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys), 22. Kevin Maggs (for Bell).

25 March 2006
15:30

Ulster	24–17	Newport Gwent Dragons
Try: Bowe Humphreys Cunningham Con: Humphreys (3) Pen: Humphreys	Report[48]	Try: Jones Luscombe Con: Warlow (2) Pen: Warlow

Ravenhill
Attendance: 7,546
Referee: Malcolm Changleng

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan, 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin (for Ferris), 22. Kevin Maggs (for Steinmetz).

15 April 2006
17:30

Glasgow Warriors	18–27	Ulster
Try: Beattie O'Hare Con: Parks Pen: Parks (2)	Report[49]	Try: Harrison Boss Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (5)

Firhill
Attendance: 2,240
Referee: Tim Hayes

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Maxwell).

5 May 2006
21:00

Ulster	26–17	Cardiff Blues
Try: Wilson Penalty try Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (4)	Report[50]	Try: Robinson Pen: Macleod (4)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,617
Referee: Andy Ireland

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Justin Fitzpatrick, 17. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell (for Maxwell).

12 May 2006
19:30

Ulster	63–17	Border Reivers
Try: Bowe (2) Wallace Maxwell (2) Wilson Trimble (2) Ferris Con: Humphreys (6) Pen: Humphreys (2)	Report[51]	Try: Moffat Danielli Con: MacRae (2) Pen: MacRae

Ravenhill
Attendance: 8,932
Referee: James Jones

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Bell).

19 May 2006
19:10

Llanelli Scarlets	12–12	Ulster
Try: John (2) Con: Evans	Report[52]	Try: Bowe Maxwell Con: Humphreys

Stradey Park
Attendance: 6,425
Referee: Graeme Hannah

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for S. Best), 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Jonny Bell (for Humphreys), 22. Tyrone Howe.

26 May 2006
19:10

Ospreys	17–19	Ulster
Try: Spice Vaughton Con: Henson (2) Pen: Henson	Report[53]	Try: McCullough Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (2) Drop: Humphreys

Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 10,316
Referee: David Changleng

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Jonny Bell, 22. James Topping.

Home attendance

League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	Total Attendance	Average Attendance
Domestic League					European Cup					Total
2005–06 Celtic League	10	9,181	12,300	6,487	2005–06 Heineken Cup	3	12,284	12,300	12,252	128,665	9,897

Ulster Rugby Awards

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 18 May 2006. Winners were:[54]

Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Andrew Trimble
Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Justin Harrison
UTV Young Player of the Year: Stephen Ferris
Northern Bank Schools Player of the Year: Stephen Douglas, RBAI
Kukri Sportswear Club of the Year: Rainey Old Boys
Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: William Stewart, Ballyclare
Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Ian Beggs, Carrickfergus
First Trust Club Player of the Year: Glenn Moore, QUB

References

Gavin Mairs, "Unlocking Justin Harrison", Belfast Telegraph, 8 July 2008
"Longwell set to tackle new challenge", Belfast Telegraph, 8 June 2005
"Doak announces representative retirement", ESPN, 5 April 2005
"Andy Ward announces retirement", ESPN, 19 January 2005
"Harrison Unveiled As New Ulster Signing", Irish Rugby, 1 August 2005
"Passion for Ireland leads Boss to sign with Ulster", New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2005
"Fitzpatrick signs three-year deal with Ulster", Irish Examiner, 15 March 2005
Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022
"Stephen Ferris To Retire From Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 3 June 2014
"Caldwell is handed Ulster debut", BBC Sport, 23 August 2005
"Topping returns to Ulster line-up", BBC Sport, 16 August 2005
Gavin Mairs, "Trimble and Best land IRUPA awards", Belfast Telegraph, 4 May 2006
Profiles - coaching management, Ulster Rugby, archived 19 May 2006
"Celtic League 2005/06: Ulster", Irish Rugby, 2 September 2005
Gavin Mairs, "Caldwell 'will go all the way'", Belfast Telegraph, 24 August 2005
Gavin Mairs, "Head lands final Ulster berth", Belfast Telegraph, 15 September 2005
Gavin Mairs, "No fear for Ulster new boy Trimble", Belfast Telegraph, 19 August 2005
Gavin Mairs, "Young gun Ferris in line for Ulster call-up", Belfast Telegraph, 12 October 2005
"Humph out of Welsh clash", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2005
Chris McCann, "Seamus is in rugby heaven after move to 'Saints'", Derry Journal, 16 September 2005
Des Berry, "Whatever happened to the likely lads of '95?", Irish Independent, 27 November 2005
Gavin Mairs, "No Cup glory for retiring old order", Belfast Telegraph, 2 May 2005
Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
"Head in Ulster training camp call", BBC Sport, 3 August 2005
"Ulster Earn Bonus Point With Perfect Start", EPCR, 21 October 2005
"Ulster 27-0 Benetton Treviso", BBC Sport, 21 October 2005
"Biarritz Olympique v Ulster", EPCR, 29 October 2005
"Biarritz 33-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 29 October 2005
"Ulster v Saracens, EPCR, 9 December 2005
"Ulster 19-10 Saracens", BBC Sport, 9 December 2005
"Saracens Gain Revenge", EPCR, 17 December 2005
"Biarritz Break Ulster Home Run", EPCR, 13 January 2006
"Ulster Complete Pool Stage With Fine Win", EPCR, 21 January 2006
"Ulster end woeful away form with win", Pro12 Rugby, 7 September 2005
"Ulster go top as the Gunners stumble", Pro12 Rugby, 15 September 2005
"Ulster turn up the heat to douse Dragons", Pro12 Rugby, 20 September 2005
"Hickie try sinks Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 October 2005
"Ulster win to go top", Pro12 Rugby, 7 October 2005
"Ulster ease to comfortable win", Pro12 Rugby, 15 October 2005
"Ospreys end Ulster's home record", Pro12 Rugby, 4 November 2005
"Ulster hold on for win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 December 2005
"O'Driscoll returns in Leinster victory", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2005
"Connacht outshine lacklustre Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 31 December 2005
"Ulster edge out Glasgow Warriors", Pro12 Rugby, 7 January 2006
"Ulster cement top four spot", Pro12 Rugby, 27 January 2006
"Experienced Ulster take the points", Pro12 Rugby, 17 February 2006
"Bonus point win sees Ulster go top", Pro12 Rugby, 3 March 2006
"Ulster win takes them back to the top", Pro12 Rugby, 25 March 2006
"Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 15 April 2006
"Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 5 May 2006
"Ulster smash Reivers and go top", Pro12 Rugby, 12 May 2006
"Ulster denied glory at Stradey Park", Pro12 Rugby, 19 May 2006
"Humphreys drop snatches title for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 26 May 2006
Gavin Mairs, "Justin given a timely boost", Belfast Telegraph, 19 May 2006

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

[1] Gavin Mairs, "Unlocking Justin Harrison", Belfast Telegraph, 8 July 2008

[challenge-2] "Longwell set to tackle new challenge", Belfast Telegraph, 8 June 2005

[3] "Doak announces representative retirement", ESPN, 5 April 2005

[4] "Andy Ward announces retirement", ESPN, 19 January 2005

[5] "Harrison Unveiled As New Ulster Signing", Irish Rugby, 1 August 2005

[6] "Passion for Ireland leads Boss to sign with Ulster", New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2005

[7] "Fitzpatrick signs three-year deal with Ulster", Irish Examiner, 15 March 2005

[8] Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022

[9] "Stephen Ferris To Retire From Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 3 June 2014

[caldwell-10] "Caldwell is handed Ulster debut", BBC Sport, 23 August 2005

[11] "Topping returns to Ulster line-up", BBC Sport, 16 August 2005

[12] Gavin Mairs, "Trimble and Best land IRUPA awards", Belfast Telegraph, 4 May 2006

[13] Profiles - coaching management, Ulster Rugby, archived 19 May 2006

[squad-14] "Celtic League 2005/06: Ulster", Irish Rugby, 2 September 2005

[15] Gavin Mairs, "Caldwell 'will go all the way'", Belfast Telegraph, 24 August 2005

[16] Gavin Mairs, "Head lands final Ulster berth", Belfast Telegraph, 15 September 2005

[17] Gavin Mairs, "No fear for Ulster new boy Trimble", Belfast Telegraph, 19 August 2005

[18] Gavin Mairs, "Young gun Ferris in line for Ulster call-up", Belfast Telegraph, 12 October 2005

[19] "Humph out of Welsh clash", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2005

[20] Chris McCann, "Seamus is in rugby heaven after move to 'Saints'", Derry Journal, 16 September 2005

[21] Des Berry, "Whatever happened to the likely lads of '95?", Irish Independent, 27 November 2005

[22] Gavin Mairs, "No Cup glory for retiring old order", Belfast Telegraph, 2 May 2005

[23] Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk

[24] "Head in Ulster training camp call", BBC Sport, 3 August 2005

[25] "Ulster Earn Bonus Point With Perfect Start", EPCR, 21 October 2005

[26] "Ulster 27-0 Benetton Treviso", BBC Sport, 21 October 2005

[27] "Biarritz Olympique v Ulster", EPCR, 29 October 2005

[28] "Biarritz 33-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 29 October 2005

[29] "Ulster v Saracens, EPCR, 9 December 2005

[30] "Ulster 19-10 Saracens", BBC Sport, 9 December 2005

[31] "Saracens Gain Revenge", EPCR, 17 December 2005

[32] "Biarritz Break Ulster Home Run", EPCR, 13 January 2006

[33] "Ulster Complete Pool Stage With Fine Win", EPCR, 21 January 2006

[34] "Ulster end woeful away form with win", Pro12 Rugby, 7 September 2005

[35] "Ulster go top as the Gunners stumble", Pro12 Rugby, 15 September 2005

[36] "Ulster turn up the heat to douse Dragons", Pro12 Rugby, 20 September 2005

[37] "Hickie try sinks Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 October 2005

[38] "Ulster win to go top", Pro12 Rugby, 7 October 2005

[39] "Ulster ease to comfortable win", Pro12 Rugby, 15 October 2005

[40] "Ospreys end Ulster's home record", Pro12 Rugby, 4 November 2005

[41] "Ulster hold on for win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 December 2005

[42] "O'Driscoll returns in Leinster victory", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2005

[43] "Connacht outshine lacklustre Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 31 December 2005

[44] "Ulster edge out Glasgow Warriors", Pro12 Rugby, 7 January 2006

[45] "Ulster cement top four spot", Pro12 Rugby, 27 January 2006

[46] "Experienced Ulster take the points", Pro12 Rugby, 17 February 2006

[47] "Bonus point win sees Ulster go top", Pro12 Rugby, 3 March 2006

[48] "Ulster win takes them back to the top", Pro12 Rugby, 25 March 2006

[49] "Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 15 April 2006

[50] "Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 5 May 2006

[51] "Ulster smash Reivers and go top", Pro12 Rugby, 12 May 2006

[52] "Ulster denied glory at Stradey Park", Pro12 Rugby, 19 May 2006

[53] "Humphreys drop snatches title for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 26 May 2006

[54] Gavin Mairs, "Justin given a timely boost", Belfast Telegraph, 19 May 2006