2007–08 Ulster Rugby season

2007–08 Ulster Rugby season
	David Humphreys vs Cardiff Blues, Ravenhill, 9 May 2008
Ground(s)	Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)	Mark McCall; Steve Williams; Matt Williams
Captain(s)	Rory Best
Top scorer	Paddy Wallace (79)
Most tries	Tommy Bowe (8)
League(s)	Heineken Cup (4th in pool); Celtic League (9th)
1st kit	2nd kit
← 2006–07	2008–09 →

The 2007–08 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 14th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their fourth under head coach Mark McCall. They competed in the Heineken Cup and the Celtic League

Steve Williams joined as assistant coach at the beginning of the season,[1] replacing Allen Clarke, who had left to become the manager of the IRFU's elite player programme.[2] After a poor run of results, Mark McCall resigned as head coach in November 2007. Steve Williams took over on an interim basis,[3] and Matt Williams was appointed as McCall's permanent replacement in December.[4] Ulster finished bottom of their pool in the Heineken Cup, and second from bottom in the Celtic League. Tommy Bowe was Ulster's Player of the Year, and IRUPA Players' Player of the Year. David Humphreys, who retired at the end of the season, was inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame.[5]

Staff

Position	Name[6]	Nationality
Head coach (to 13 Nov 2007)	Mark McCall	Ireland
Assistant coach (to 13 November 2007) Caretaker coach (13 Nov-30 Dec 2007)	Steve Williams	Wales
Head coach (from 30 Dec 2007)	Matt Williams	Australia
Assistant coach	Neil Kelly	England
Fitness coach	Philip Morrow	Ireland
Team physiotherapist	Gareth Robinson	Ireland
Fitness coach	Jonny Davis	Ireland
Team doctor	David Irwin	Ireland
Team Manager	David Millar	Ireland
Video analyst	Simon McGookin	Ireland

Squad

Senior squad

Players in (Season 2007/2008)

Jarlath Carey from Rotherham Titans[1]
Simon Danielli from Border Reivers[7]
Carlo Del Fava from Bourgoin[1]
Rob Dewey from Edinburgh[8]
Kieran Hallett from Bedford Blues[9]
Neil Hanna from Rotherham Titans[10]
Seamus Mallon from Northampton Saints[1]
Matt Miles from Pertemps Bees[11]
Grant Webb from Toyota Verblitz[12]

Promoted from academy

Players Out (Season 2007/2008)

Ulster Rugby squad[19]
Props Justin Fitzpatrick (21 apps, 16 starts) Bryan Young (21 apps, 15 starts) Tom Court (14 apps, 11 starts, 10 pts) Declan Fitzpatrick (12 apps, 6 starts) Simon Best (no apps) Jarleth Carey (no apps) Niall Conlon (no apps) Hookers Rory Best (19 apps, 17 starts, 5 pts) Nigel Brady (13 apps, 7 starts) Matt Miles (1 app) Stuart Philpott (1 app) Neil Hanna (no apps) Locks Matt McCullough (22 apps, 19 starts, 15 pts) Justin Harrison (21 apps, 16 starts) Ryan Caldwell (22 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts) Carlo Del Fava (19 apps, 12 starts, 5 pts) Tim Barker (4 apps, 2 starts)	Back row Neil Best (19 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) Kieron Dawson (17 apps, 13 starts, 15 pts) Roger Wilson (15 apps, 10 starts, 10 pts) Stephen Ferris (10 apps, 10 starts) David Pollock (12 apps, 6 starts) Grant Webb (4 apps, 2 starts) Neil McMillan (3 apps, 1 start) Chris Henry (no apps) Scrum-halves Isaac Boss (20 apps, 17 starts, 20 pts) Paul Marshall (9 apps, 5 starts, 5 pts) Kieran Campbell (10 apps, 3 starts) Fly-halves Niall O'Connor (16 apps, 10 starts, 61 pts) David Humphreys (6 apps, 3 starts, 27 pts) Kieran Hallett (1 app)	Centres Andrew Trimble (18 apps, 18 starts, 20 pts) Paddy Wallace (19 apps, 15 starts, 79 pts) Rob Dewey (14 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) Paul Steinmetz (8 apps, 7 starts) Seamus Mallon (4 apps, 3 starts) Darren Cave (2 apps, 1 start) Adam Larkin (1 app) Wings Tommy Bowe (23 apps, 23 starts, 40 pts) Mark Bartholomeusz (19 apps, 15 starts, 5 pts) Simon Danielli (15 apps, 15 starts, 30 pts) Mark McCrea (13 apps, 10 starts) Paul McKenzie (no apps) Fullbacks Bryn Cunningham (16 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) Mark Kettyle (no apps)

(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

Players in

Tommy Seymour
James Sandford
Ian Porter
Chris Cochrane
Jamie Smith
Ian Whitten
Paul Karayiannis
Pat Steenkamp
Sam McDonald
Chris Quinn

Players out

Michael Ferguson
Phil Coulter
Stuart Megaw
Richard Fegan
Dale Black

Academy squad[20]
Props Paul Karayiannis (1) Neil Simpson (2) Pat Steenkamp (1) Hookers Stephen Douglas (2) Locks Sam McDonald (1) James Sandford (1)	Back row T. J. Anderson (2) Willie Faloon (2) Mark Robinson (2) Scrum-halves David Drake (2) Ian Porter (1) Fly-halves none	Centres Ian Whitten (1) Wings Chris Cochrane (1) Mark McCrea (2) Chris Quinn (1) Tommy Seymour (1) Fullbacks Owen McMurray (2) Jamie Smith (1)

Heineken Cup

Pool 2

Team	P	W	L	Tries for	Tries against	Try diff	Points for	Points against	Points diff	TB	LB	Pts
Gloucester (3)	6	5	1	24	13	+11	184	119	+65	4	0	24
Ospreys (8)	6	5	1	16	9	+7	164	102	+62	1	0	21
Bourgoin	6	1	5	12	19	−7	118	174	−56	1	3	8
Ulster	6	1	5	13	24	−11	102	173	−71	0	1	5

9 November 2007
20:00

Ulster	14–32	Gloucester
Tries: McCullough 29' c Wallace 40' c Con: Wallace (2)	Report[21]	Tries: Vainikolo 7' m Tindall 9' m Lamb 18' c Simpson-Daniel 22' m Balshaw 26' c Con: Lamb (2) Pen: Lamb 67'

Ravenhill, Belfast
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Harrison), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. David Humphreys (for Dewey), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

16 November 2007
21:00

Bourgoin	24–17	Ulster
Tries: Tchougong 56' c Coux 64' m Con: Boyet Pen: Boyet 15', 28', 39', 80+4'	Report[22]	Tries: Dawson 12' c Danielli 23' c Con: Wallace (2) Pen: Wallace 31'

Stade Pierre Rajon, Bourgoin-Jallieu
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Rob Dewey.

7 December 2007
20:00

Ospreys	48–17	Ulster
Tries: Parker 4' m Marshall 19' c A. W. Jones 44' c Tiatia 46' c Walker (2) 64' c, 80+3' c Byrne 72' m Con: Hook (5) Pen: Hook 12'	Report[23]	Tries: Boss 52' c Danielli 68' c Con: Wallace (2) Pen: Wallace 21'

Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Attendance: 8,082
Referee: Chris White (England)

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison), 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Danielli), 22. Rob Dewey (for Steinmetz).

14 December 2007
20:00

Ulster	8–16	Ospreys
Try: Danielli 38' m Pen: O'Connor 17'	Report[24]	Try: Marshall 54' c Con: Hook Pen: Hook (3) 12', 15', 56'

Ravenhill, Belfast
Attendance: 9,665
Referee: Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles, 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for O'Connor), 22. Mark McCrea.

11 January 2008
19:30

Ulster	25–24	Bourgoin
Tries: Bowe 44' c Marshall 55' c Trimble 78' m Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (2) 6', 13'	Report[25]	Tries: Coux 2' m Denos 20' m Vigneaux 40' c Petrilli 47' c Con: Parra (2)

Ravenhill, Belfast
Attendance: 8,340
Referee: James Jones (Wales)

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Grant Webb, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. David Pollock (for Webb), 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Mark McCrea.

20 January 2008
13:00

Gloucester	29–21	Ulster
Tries: Qera (2) 7' c, 59' m Strokosch 34' c Balshaw 71' m Narraway 80' m Con: Paterson (2)	Report[26]	Tries: Bowe (2) 21' c, 77' c Trimble 44' c Con: Wallace (2) O'Connor

Kingsholm, Gloucester
Attendance: 12,480
Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Grant Webb, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Neil McMillan (for Webb), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Steinmetz), 22. Seamus Mallon (for Bartholomeusz).

Celtic League

Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	Try bonus	Losing bonus	Pts
Leinster	18	13	1	4	428	283	+145	44	30	4	3	61
Cardiff Blues	18	12	0	6	395	315	+80	48	31	6	2	56
Munster	18	10	1	7	330	258	+72	33	26	2	4	48
Edinburgh	18	9	3	6	313	285	+28	35	29	3	3	48
Glasgow Warriors	18	10	1	7	340	349	−9	31	38	1	3	46
Llanelli Scarlets	18	7	0	11	403	362	+41	45	38	6	5	39
Ospreys	18	6	1	11	321	255	+66	24	24	2	9	37
Newport Gwent Dragons	18	7	1	10	282	394	−112	31	44	1	3	34
Ulster	18	6	1	11	278	407	−129	33	41	2	1	29
Connacht	18	5	1	12	214	396	−182	16	39	0	2	24
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

21 September 2007
18:30

Ulster	17–16	Ospreys
Try: Danielli Pen: O'Connor (4)	Report[27]	Try: Bishop Con: Connor Pen: Connor (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 8,142

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Tim Barker, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Justin Harrison (for Barker), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Mallon).

28 September 2007
19:30

Edinburgh	24–10	Ulster
Try: Turnbull Houston Con: Godman (2) Warnock Pen: Warnock	Report[28]	Try: Bartholomeusz Con: O'Connor Pen: O'Connor

Murrayfield
Attendance: 1,389

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for Brady), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Tim Barker (for Caldwell), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough), 20. Paul Marshall (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin (for O'Connor), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

6 October 2007
17:30

Newport Gwent Dragons	31–11	Ulster
Try: Wyatt Charteris Davies Con: Sweeney (2) Pen: Sweeney (4)	Report[29]	Try: Court Pen: O'Connor (4)

Rodney Parade
Attendance: 4,139

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Tim Barker, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Tommy Bowe, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for Brady), 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Barker), 19. Neil McMillan (for Pollock), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Marshall), 21. Kieran Hallett (for O'Connor), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Cave).

12 October 2007
19:10

Llanelli Scarlets	32–8	Ulster
Try: Watkins Jones Manu Edwards Con: Priestland (3) Pen: Priestland (2)	Report[30]	Try: Bowe Con: Wallace

Stradey Park
Attendance: 6,480

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark Bartholomeusz, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Tim Barker (for Del Fava), 19. Roger Wilson (for Ferris), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Mallon), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli).

26 October 2007
19:30

Ulster	16–16	Leinster
Try: Trimble Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (2) Drop: Humphreys	Report[31]	Try: D'Arcy Con: Sexton Pen: Sexton (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 13,132

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Justin Harrison (for Del Fava), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. David Humphreys (for Wallace), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

2 November 2007
19:30

Glasgow Warriors	25–6	Ulster
Try: Henderson Con: Parks Pen: Parks (6)	Report[32]	Pen: Humphreys (2)

Firhill Stadium
Attendance: 2,631

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for McCrea).

23 November 2007
19:30

Connacht	13–30	Ulster
Try: Riordan Con: Donnelly Pen: Dunne Donnelly	Report[33]	Try: Dawson Wilson Del Fava Con: Wallace (3) Pen: Wallace (3)

Sportsground
Attendance: 2,541

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Rob Dewey (for Steinmetz).

30 November 2007
19:30

Ulster	14–20	Edinburgh
Try: Bowe Pen: Wallace (3)	Report[34]	Try: Dey Cairns Con: Godman (2) Pen: Godman (2)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,750

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Wilson), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Bartholomeusz).

26 December 2007
15:00

Leinster	29–0	Ulster
Try: Heaslip Healy Con: Contepomi (2) Pen: Contepomi (5)	Report[35]

Royal Dublin Society
Attendance: 18,230

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. David Humphreys (for Steinmetz), 22. Grant Webb (for Harrison).

15 February 2008
19:30

Ulster	38–13	Newport Gwent Dragons
Try: R. Best Cunningham Danielli Wallace Boss Caldwell Con: O'Connor (4)	Report[36]	Try: Dollman Con: Thomas Pen: Sweeney

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,246

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Matt McCullough (for N. Best), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for O'Connor), 22. Seamus Mallon (for McCrea).

29 February 2008
19:30

Ulster	20–8	Llanelli Scarlets
Try: McCullough N. Best Boss Con: O'Connor Pen: O'Connor	Report[37]	Try: Priestland Pen: Priestland

Ravenhill
Attendance: 8,869

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Darren Cave (for Steinmetz), 22. Bryn Cunningham.

22 March 2008
19:30

Munster	42–6	Ulster
Try: O'Gara O'Driscoll Buckley O'Leary Howlett Coughlan Con: O'Gara (4) Warwick	Report[38]	Pen: O'Connor (2)

Musgrave Park
Attendance: 7,500

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Matt McCullough (for N. Best), 19. Roger Wilson (for Pollock), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall), 21. Rob Dewey (for O'Connor), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for McCrea).

28 March 2008
19:10

Ospreys	32–7	Ulster
Try: Williams (2) Walker Hook Con: Hook (3) Pen: Hook (2)	Report[39]	Try: Dawson Con: O'Connor

Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 9,087

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Grant Webb (for McCullough), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Rob Dewey (for Wallace), 22. Mark McCrea (for Bartholomeusz).

11 April 2008
18:30

Ulster	18–6	Connacht
Try: McCullough Court Con: Wallace Pen: Wallace O'Connor	Report[40]	Pen: Dunne Nathan

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,248

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Rob Dewey (for O'Connor), 22. Mark McCrea.

19 April 2008
17:30

Cardiff Blues	30–17	Ulster
Try: Thomas Williams Roberts Con: Blair (3) Pen: Blair (2) Flanagan	Report[41]	Try: Bowe Caldwell Con: O'Connor (2) Pen: O'Connor

Cardiff Arms Park
Attendance: 6,500

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark McCrea. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall), 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Darren Cave.

30 April 2008
19:30

Ulster	19–9	Munster
Try: Dewey Trimble Caldwell Con: Wallace (2)	Report[42]	Pen: Warwick (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 12,300

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. Neil Best (for Ferris), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Wallace), 22. Mark McCrea.

3 May 2008
15:00

Ulster	24–35	Glasgow Warriors
Try: Bowe Danielli Wilson Boss Con: Wallace (2)	Report[43]	Try: Beattie T. Evans Fa'atau M. Evans Con: Parks (3) Pen: Parks (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 6,592

Ulster lineup

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Court), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Bartholomeusz), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli).

9 May 2008
19:30

Ulster	17–26	Cardiff Blues
Try: Bowe Danielli Wallace Con: Wallace	Report[44]	Try: Molitika (2) Down Davies Con: Halfpenny (3)

Ravenhill
Attendance: 9,672

Ulster lineup

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Matt McCullough (for Wilson), 19. Neil Best (for Pollock), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Niall O'Connor (for Trimble).

Home attendance

League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	Total Attendance	Average Attendance
Domestic League					European Cup					Total
2007–08 Celtic League	9	9,661	13,132	6,592	2007–08 Heineken Cup	3	10,335	13,000	8,340	117,956	9,830

Ulster Rugby Awards

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 15 May 2008 at the La Mon House Hotel outside Belfast. Winners were:[45]

Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: David Humphreys
Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Tommy Bowe
Vodafone Young Ulster Player of the Year: Niall O'Connor
Kukri Sportswear Club of the Year: City of Armagh RFC
First Trust Club Player of the Year: Ian Porter, QUB
Ken Goodall Award for Outstanding Player at the Sports Institute: Ian Whitten, QUB
Special Merit Award: Latimer Adair, Ballynahinch RFC
Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: James Simpson, Ballynahinch RFC
Northern Bank Schools Player of the Year: Jonathan Shiells, Coleraine Academical Institution

References

"Ulster Rugby Introduce New Recruits", Irish Rugby, 2 July 2007
"Clarke set to leave Ulster for IRFU role", Belfast Telegraph, 25 May 2007
"Ulster coach quits", Sky Sports, 13 November 2007
"Ulster confirm Matt Williams as new Head Coach", Irish Examiner, 30 December 2007
"Tyrone Crystal trophies awarded to Irish stars", Tyrone Herald, 5 May 2008
Management profiles, Ulster Rugby, archived 22 December 2022
"Ulster sign Reivers' Danielli", Guinness Pro12, 22 February 2007
"SRU losing key player as Dewey joins Ulster", The Scotsman, 23 February 2007
"Hallett included in Ulster squad", RTÉ Sport, 2 October 2007
"Hanna set to miss Ulster season", BBC Sport, 10 August 2007
"Matt has covered the Miles to be in Belfast", News Letter, 22 September 2007
"Webb signs for Ulster", Irish Examiner, 22 December 2007
Murray Kinsella, "Munster close in on Irish tighthead Andress ahead of next season", Yahoo! News, 26 January 2016
"Bristol swoop for double signing", BBC Sport, 10 January 2007
"Maxwell signs for Edinburgh", Six Nations Rugby, 6 June 2007
"Shields joins Saints", Irish Examiner, 14 March 2007
"Lewis Stevenson rejoins Exeter from Ulster to reinforce second row", The Guardian, 25 January 2016
"Bishop And Young Join Doncaster", Irish Rugby, 26 June 2007
Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
"Academy Profiles", Ulster Rugby, archived 27 February 2008
"Ulster v Gloucester", EPCR, 9 November 2007
"Bourgoin v Ulster", EPCR, 16 November 2007
"Ospreys v Ulster", EPCR, 7 December 2007
"Ulster Rugby v Ospreys", EPCR, 14 December 2007
"Ulster v Bourgoin", EPCR, 11 January 2007
"Gloucester Rugby v Ulster", EPCR, 20 January 2007
"Ospreys Remain Winless As Ulster Edge Ravenhill Battle", Pro12 Rugby, 21 September 2007
"Edinburgh Outgun Ulster At Murrayfield", Pro12 Rugby, 28 September 2007
"Three-Try Dragons Score Long Overdue Win Over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 October 2007
"Ulster Stay Bottom As Scarlets Sizzle On Home Patch", Pro12 Rugby, 12 October 2007
"Humphreys-Inspired Ulster Bite Back In Ravenhill Stalemate", Pro12 Rugby, 26 October 2007
"Parks On The Mark As Glasgow Battle Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 November 2007
"Gutsy Galway Win Sees Ulster Climb Off The Bottom", Pro12 Rugby, 23 November 2007
"First Half Performance Sees Edinburgh Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 November 2007
"Two-Try Leinster Add To Ulster's Woes", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2007
"Ulster Get Williams' Reign Off To Winning Start", Pro12 Rugby, 15 February 2008
"Ulster Sweep Scarlets Aside For Back-To-Back Wins", Pro12 Rugby, 29 February 2008
"Munster Sizzle As They Put Six Tries Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 22 March 2008
"Four-Try Ospreys Sweep Ulster Aside", Pro12 Rugby, 28 March 2008
"Luckless Connacht Undone By Ulster's Second Half Salvo", Pro12 Rugby, 11 April 2008
"Blues Overcome Ulster But Miss Out On Bonus", Pro12 Rugby, 19 April 2008
"Three-Try Ulster Pick Up Valuable Win Over Munster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2008
"Glasgow Outgun Ulster For Fourth Straight Win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 May 2008
"Humphreys Bows Out With Defeat As Cardiff Spoil Ulster's Party", Pro12 Rugby, 9 May 2008
Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008

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

[recruits-1] "Ulster Rugby Introduce New Recruits", Irish Rugby, 2 July 2007

[2] "Clarke set to leave Ulster for IRFU role", Belfast Telegraph, 25 May 2007

[3] "Ulster coach quits", Sky Sports, 13 November 2007

[4] "Ulster confirm Matt Williams as new Head Coach", Irish Examiner, 30 December 2007

[5] "Tyrone Crystal trophies awarded to Irish stars", Tyrone Herald, 5 May 2008

[6] Management profiles, Ulster Rugby, archived 22 December 2022

[7] "Ulster sign Reivers' Danielli", Guinness Pro12, 22 February 2007

[8] "SRU losing key player as Dewey joins Ulster", The Scotsman, 23 February 2007

[9] "Hallett included in Ulster squad", RTÉ Sport, 2 October 2007

[10] "Hanna set to miss Ulster season", BBC Sport, 10 August 2007

[11] "Matt has covered the Miles to be in Belfast", News Letter, 22 September 2007

[12] "Webb signs for Ulster", Irish Examiner, 22 December 2007

[13] Murray Kinsella, "Munster close in on Irish tighthead Andress ahead of next season", Yahoo! News, 26 January 2016

[14] "Bristol swoop for double signing", BBC Sport, 10 January 2007

[15] "Maxwell signs for Edinburgh", Six Nations Rugby, 6 June 2007

[16] "Shields joins Saints", Irish Examiner, 14 March 2007

[17] "Lewis Stevenson rejoins Exeter from Ulster to reinforce second row", The Guardian, 25 January 2016

[18] "Bishop And Young Join Doncaster", Irish Rugby, 26 June 2007

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

[20] "Academy Profiles", Ulster Rugby, archived 27 February 2008

[21] "Ulster v Gloucester", EPCR, 9 November 2007

[22] "Bourgoin v Ulster", EPCR, 16 November 2007

[23] "Ospreys v Ulster", EPCR, 7 December 2007

[24] "Ulster Rugby v Ospreys", EPCR, 14 December 2007

[25] "Ulster v Bourgoin", EPCR, 11 January 2007

[26] "Gloucester Rugby v Ulster", EPCR, 20 January 2007

[27] "Ospreys Remain Winless As Ulster Edge Ravenhill Battle", Pro12 Rugby, 21 September 2007

[28] "Edinburgh Outgun Ulster At Murrayfield", Pro12 Rugby, 28 September 2007

[29] "Three-Try Dragons Score Long Overdue Win Over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 October 2007

[30] "Ulster Stay Bottom As Scarlets Sizzle On Home Patch", Pro12 Rugby, 12 October 2007

[31] "Humphreys-Inspired Ulster Bite Back In Ravenhill Stalemate", Pro12 Rugby, 26 October 2007

[32] "Parks On The Mark As Glasgow Battle Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 November 2007

[33] "Gutsy Galway Win Sees Ulster Climb Off The Bottom", Pro12 Rugby, 23 November 2007

[34] "First Half Performance Sees Edinburgh Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 November 2007

[35] "Two-Try Leinster Add To Ulster's Woes", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2007

[36] "Ulster Get Williams' Reign Off To Winning Start", Pro12 Rugby, 15 February 2008

[37] "Ulster Sweep Scarlets Aside For Back-To-Back Wins", Pro12 Rugby, 29 February 2008

[38] "Munster Sizzle As They Put Six Tries Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 22 March 2008

[39] "Four-Try Ospreys Sweep Ulster Aside", Pro12 Rugby, 28 March 2008

[40] "Luckless Connacht Undone By Ulster's Second Half Salvo", Pro12 Rugby, 11 April 2008

[41] "Blues Overcome Ulster But Miss Out On Bonus", Pro12 Rugby, 19 April 2008

[42] "Three-Try Ulster Pick Up Valuable Win Over Munster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2008

[43] "Glasgow Outgun Ulster For Fourth Straight Win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 May 2008

[44] "Humphreys Bows Out With Defeat As Cardiff Spoil Ulster's Party", Pro12 Rugby, 9 May 2008

[45] Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008