2003–04 Ulster Rugby season

July 2023 July 2023 2003–04 Ulster Rugby season Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Alan Solomons Andy Ward David Humphreys (204) Tyrone Howe (12) Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)Celtic League (2nd)Celtic Cup (champions) 2002–03 2004–05 The 2003–04 season was Ulster Rugby's ninth under professionalism, and their third under head coach Alan Solomons. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the Celtic League and the inaugural Celtic Cup. Ulster introduced a new logo this season, featuring a red hand surrounded by the outline shapes of two crossed rugby balls in red and black, which remains in use. A proposal to rebrand the team the "Ulster Knights" was discussed, but rejected.Gavin Mairs, "It's good Knight to a new name for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 27 January 2004 The numbers of teams in the Celtic League was reduced from sixteen to twelve in a single league table, with a full home and away schedule increasing each team's fixture list from seven to 22 matches. There would be no playoffs to determine the league's champions, but a knockout competition, the Celtic Cup, was introduced alongside the league."New format boost for Celtic League", Irish Independent, 7 May 2003 This meant that the Irish provinces could now operate as full-time professional clubs, with provincial players no longer able to play for clubs in the All-Ireland League.[Jimmy Davidson, "Club Ulster is perfect route to success for Solomons", Belfast Telegraph, 9 May 2003 Ulster finished second in the table. Tyrone Howe was the league's joint third leading try scorer with nine.Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022 In the Heineken Cup, they came third in Pool 1, not qualifying for the knockout stage. They won the Celtic Cup, defeating Edinburgh in the final. Making their debuts for the province this season were props Bryan Young and Simon Shawe, lock Tim Barker, back row forward Roger Wilson, scrum-half Reece Spee, wing Tommy Bowe and centre Seamus Mallon. New signings were props Ronan McCormack and Rod Moore, locks Rowan Frost and Matt Mustchin, and centre Paul Steinmetz. James Topping became only the second player, after Gary Longwell, to make 100 appearances for Ulster.Gavin Mairs, "Topping in line to hit Ulster century", Belfast Telegraph, 31 Match 2004 Tommy Bowe was named IRUPA Young Player of the Year."Tommy Bowe - IRUPA Young Player of the Year", Ulster Rugby, 20 May 2004, archived 5 June 2004 Roger Wilson was Ulster's Player of the Year. Head coach Alan Solomons and forwards coach Adrian Kennedy left at the end of the season to join Northampton Saints."Solomons Leaving Ulster", Irish Rugby, 16 February 2004 Backs coach Mark McCall was named as the new head coach."McCall gets call to coach Ulster", The Irish Times, 23 March 2004 Staff Position Name Nationality Chief Executive Michael Reid Ireland rugby union Ireland Director of Rugby Alan Solomons RSA South Africa Team manager John McComish Ireland rugby union Ireland Forwards coach Adrian Kennedy Ireland rugby union Ireland Backs coach Mark McCall Ireland rugby union Ireland Assistant conditioning coach John McCloskey Ireland rugby union Ireland Physiotherapist Gareth Robinson Ireland rugby union Ireland Squad Senior squad Players in IRE rugby union Tim Barker from IRE rugby union DungannonGavin Mairs, "Rugby: New faces on show as Ulster slip into gear", Belfast Telegraph, 4 July 2008 IRE rugby union Tommy Bowe from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins NZL Rowan Frost from IRE rugby union Connacht"Ulster sign Connacht duo", BBC Sport, 23 April 2003 IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon from IRE rugby union Dungannon IRE rugby union Andy Maxwell from IRE rugby union Ballymena IRE rugby union Ronan McCormack from IRE rugby union Connacht AUS Rod Moore from AUS Waratahs"Moore signs for Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 August 2003 NZL Matt Mustchin from NZL Canterbury Crusaders IRE rugby union Simon Shawe from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins NZL Reece Spee from IRE rugby union City of Derry"Spee moves to Harlequins", BBC Sport, 4 June 2003 NZL Paul Steinmetz from NZL Otago Highlanders"Steinmetz heading for Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 July 2003 IRE rugby union Roger Wilson from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins IRE rugby union Bryan Young from IRE rugby union BallymenaRichard Mulligan, "Solly: Young will do job", News Letter, 26 September 2003 Players out IRE rugby union Mark Blair to FRA Narbonne"Blair to quit Ulster", RTÉ, 10 April 2003 IRE rugby union Sheldon Coulter released IRE rugby union Jan Cunningham released IRE rugby union Jeremy Davidson retiredJim Stokes, "Davidson forced to retire", BBC Sport, 2 May 2003 IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick to FRA CastresBarry Coughlan, "Castres deal lures Fitzpatrick from Ulster", Irish Examiner, 4 April 2003 RSA Russell Nelson to ITA Padova"AIL Finals Previews", The Irish Times, 10 May 2003 IRE rugby union David Spence released Ulster Rugby squadProps AUS Rod Moore (27 apps, 21 starts) IRE rugby union Simon Best (17 apps, 14 starts, 10 pts) RSA Robbi Kempson (13 apps, 12 starts) IRE rugby union Ronan McCormack (15 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Bryan Young (10 apps, 6 starts) IRE rugby union Simon Shawe (2 apps) IRE rugby union Clem Boyd Hookers NZL Matt Sexton (25 apps, 20 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Paul Shields (26 apps, 11 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Nigel Brady Locks NZL Matt Mustchin (26 apps, 18 starts) IRE rugby union Matt McCullough (21 apps, 17 starts, 5 pts) NZL Rowan Frost* (25 apps, 16 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Gary Longwell (13 apps, 11 starts) IRE rugby union Tim Barker (2 apps)Back row IRE rugby union Andy Ward (c) (30 apps, 30 starts, 30 pts) IRE rugby union Neil Best (30 apps, 26 starts, 25 pts) IRE rugby union Roger Wilson (26 apps, 20 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Tony McWhirter (10 apps, 9 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Neil McMillan (13 apps, 8 starts, 20 pts) RSA Warren Brosnihan (8 apps, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Gary Brown Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Neil Doak (21 apps, 17 starts) IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell (17 apps, 11 starts) NZL Reece Spee* (3 apps) Fly-halves IRE rugby union David Humphreys (15 apps, 15 starts, 204 pts) AUS Adam Larkin (22 apps, 15 starts, 165 pts)Centres NZL Shane Stewart (24 apps, 22 starts, 20 pts) NZL Paul Steinmetz (21 apps, 20 starts, 5 pts) AUS Ryan Constable (12 apps, 10 starts, 45 pts) IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon (12 apps, 7 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Jonny Bell Wings IRE rugby union James Topping (25 apps, 23 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Tyrone Howe (21 apps, 21 starts, 60 pts) IRE rugby union Scott Young (20 apps, 17 starts_ IRE rugby union Tommy Bowe (2 apps, 1 start, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Andy Maxwell Fullbacks IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (27 apps, 26 starts, 25 pts) IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace (19 apps, 9 starts, 70 pts) (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality."Ulster's 2002/3 squad", BBC Sport, 2 July 2002Squad Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 2003-04 Heineken Cup 6 3 0 3 109 106 3 10 9 2003-04 Celtic League 22 15 0 7 617 363 254 67 29 2003-04 Celtic Cup 3 3 0 0 70 57 13 6 6 Total 31 21 0 10 796 526 270 83 44 2003–04 Heineken Cup 2003–04 Heineken Cup Pool 1 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTBLBPts FRA Stade Français 6402118313480541118 ENG Leicester Tigers630317107137115223015 Ireland rugby union Ulster6303109110910631114 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons6204516−1167146−79019 7 December 2003 14:30 Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 24 – 15 Report"Ulster are left with a mountain to climb", Daily Telegraph, 8 December 2003Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster BreezeMontgomery Jarvis Humphreys (5) Rodney Parade, Newport 5,500 L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 56'), Rod Moore (for N. Best 29-36'). 12 December 2003 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 22 – 20 Report"Ulster's rousing rally cry", Irish Independent, 13 December 2003Match centre FRA Stade Français Wallace Humphreys Humphreys (5) Rabadan Domínguez (4) Liebenburg Ravenhill, Belfast 10,243 N Williams W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Rod Moore (for S. Best 57'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 57'), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 62'). 11 January 2004 13:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 33 – 0 ReportGavin Mairs, "Wisdom of Solomons in finest hour", Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004Match centre ENG Leicester Tigers HoweWard (2)Stewart Humphreys (2) Humphreys (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,300 W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 67'), Adam Larkin (for Stewart 75'). 17 January 2004 15:00 Leicester Tigers ENG 49 – 7 Report"Leicester 49-7 Ulster", BBC Sport, 17 January 2004Eddie Butler, "Tiger bows out with a roar", Irish Independent, 18 January 2004 Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Lloyd (2)BackVan der WesthuyzenJohnson Vesty (3) Vesty (6) Topping Humphreys Welford Road, Leicester 16,815 L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Adam Larkin (for Stewart 18'), Rod Moore (for S. Best 50'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 66'). 24 January 2004 16:00 Stade Français FRA 13 – 10 Report"Stade Francais 13-10 Ulster", BBC Sport, 24 January 2004Michael Streeter, "Dominguez kicks break Ulster hearts", Sunday Independent, 25 January 2004 Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Marconnet Domínguez Domínguez (2) Humphreys Humphreys Humphreys Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris 10,284 L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 64'), Neil Best (for McMillan 64'). 30 January 2004 time 19:45 Ulster IRE rugby union 22 – 0 Report”Humphreys brilliant, but Ulster miss bonus point”, ‘’Belfast Telegraph’’, 31 January 2004Match centre WAL Newport Gwent Dragons ShieldsHumphreysHowe Humphreys (2) Humphreys Ravenhill, Belfast 11,925 J Dume W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Simon Best (for Moore 60'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 60'), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 62'), Matt Sexton (for Shields 69'), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 70'), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 72'), Paddy Wallace (for Mallon 72') 2003-04 Celtic League 2003–04 Celtic League TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATry bonusLosing bonusPts1 WAL Llanelli Scarlets 221615597385+212573973762 Ireland rugby union Ulster 221507617363+254672984723 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons 221606590449+141594171724 WAL Celtic Warriors 221408560451+109483754655 WAL Neath-Swansea Ospreys 2211110582512+70556054556 WAL Cardiff Blues 2211011570467+103735473547 Ireland rugby union Munster 2210012422456−34454965518 Ireland rugby union Leinster 229112523580−57516545479 Ireland rugby union Connacht 228212479550−715059534410 SCO Edinburgh 229013454622−1685269624411 SCO Glasgow 226115442614−1725261333212 SCO Borders 224018363750−38742881522Under 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 https://web.archive.org/web/20131122230126/http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/table.php?includeref=11189&season=2003-2004 22 November 2013 5 September 2003 19:05 Neath-Swansea Ospreys WAL 41–30 Report"Ospreys soar on debut", BBC Sport, 5 September 2003"Henson class blows away Ulster defence", Belfast Telegraph, 6 September 2003Match centreVideo Ireland rugby union Ulster TiuetiDurstonHenson (2) Connor (2)Henson Connor (4)Henson StewartMcCormackWard Wallace (3) Wallace (3) The Gnoll, Neath 4,250 Gregg Davies L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Neil McMillan (for Wilson 46'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 53'), Adam Larkin (for Constable 66'), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85'). 12 September 2003 19:35 Ulster Ireland rugby union 33–6 Report"Ulster back in form with crushing win over Glasgow", Irish Examiner, 13 September 2003Match centre SCO Glasgow FrostMcWhirterStewart Larkin (3) Larkin (3) Howarth Moffat Ravenhill, Belfast 6,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Seamus Mallon (for Constable 23'). 26 September 2003 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 37–18 ReportMichael Sadlier, "Ulster slay Dragons but crisis on horizon", Belfast Telegraph, 27 September 2003Match centre WAL Newport Gwent Dragons WardMcWhirterConstableHowe Larkin (4) Larkin (3) Young ArasaBaber Warlow Warlow Warlow Ravenhill, Belfast 5,807 A. Ireland W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Brian Young, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt McCullough (for Frost 52'), Simon Shawe (for McWhirter 69'), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 72'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 76'), Neil Best (for Shawe 80'). 10 October 2003 19:30 Munster Ireland rugby union 15–16 Report"Munster lose to Ulster in Musgrave", Munster Rugby, 10 October 2003"Larkin's late strike prove vital", Irish Independent, 11 October 2003Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Staunton (5) Mallon Larkin Larkin (3) McCormack McCullough Musgrave Park, Cork 4,000 Nigel Owens W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Ryan Constable (for Mallon 60'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 60'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 62'), Bryan Young (for Moore 73'). 17 October 2003 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 26–20 Report"Ulster edge out Warriors", BBC Sport, 17 October 2003Ciaran Donaghy, "Rugby: Sweet 16", Belfast Telegraph, 18 October 2003Match centre WAL Celtic Warriors HoweCunningham Larkin (2) Larkin (4) Lewis Jenkins (5) Ravenhill, Belfast 6,625 D. Changeleng W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton (for Shields 47'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 47'), James Topping (for Young 47'), Ryan Constable (for Mallon 47'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 63'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 60'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 77'). 24 October 2003 19:35 Edinburgh SCO 3–41 ReportCiaran Donaghy, "Constable on the beat", Sunday Life, 26 October 2003"Ulster rout Edinburgh", BBC Sport, 24 October 2003Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Lee Lee Constable (3)HoweTopping Larkin (5) Larkin (2) Howe Meadowbank, Edinburgh 2,600 W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton (for Shields), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee (for Campbell), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart), Scott Young (for Topping). 31 October 2003 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 32–7 Report"Impressive Ulster out score Cardiff by four tries to one", Wales Online, 1 November 2003Match centre WAL Cardiff Blues Cunningham (2)HoweShields Larkin (3) Larkin (2) Powell Robinson Ravenhill, Belfast 5,256 W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 55'), Ronan McCormack (for B. Young 63'), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 63'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 55), Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon, Scott Young. 8 November 2003 14:30 Connacht Ireland rugby union 31–20 Report"Connacht Break Ulster'S Winning Run", Pro12 Rugby, 8 November 2003Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Mostyn McHugh Elwood (2)McHugh (6) Fogarty Constable (2) Larkin (2) Larkin (2) Ward N. Best The Sportsground, Galway 1,950 L Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee, Paul Steinmetz (for Stewart), Seamus Mallon. 28 November 2003 19:35 Ulster Ireland rugby union 46–5 Report"Ulster blitz the Borders", BBC Sport, 28 November 2003Match centre SCO Borders CunninghamConstable (2)WardShields Wallace (5) Wallace (2) Walker Ravenhill, Belfast 5,585 W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Robbi Kempson (for Moore 45'), Gary Longwell (for Mustchin 45'), Tony McWhirter (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Shane Stewart (for Constable 49'), Scott Young (for Steinmetz 71). 2 January 2004 19:35 Leinster Ireland rugby union 32–30 Report"Leinster edge out Ulster", BBC Sport, 2 January 2004Kieran Rooney, "O'Meara flawless as Lions hang on", Irish Independent, 3 January 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster ContepomiCostello O'Meara (2) O'Meara (6) HoweSteinmetzHumphreys Humphreys (3) Humphreys (3) Donnybrook, Dublin 7,000 Nigel Owens L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 65), Rod Moore (for S. Best 65), Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 58), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 65), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 62), Seamus Mallon, Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 69). 6 February 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 10–9 Report"Ulster 10-9 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 6 February 2004Match centre WAL Llanelli Scarlets Cunningham Larkin Larkin Bowen (2) Phillips Ravenhill, Belfast 6,603 W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton (for Shields 46), Simon Best (for Moore 65), Matt Mustchin (for Frost 46), Warren Brosnihan, Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Stewart), Tommy Bowe. 13 February 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 31–19 Report"Ulster 31-19 Ospreys", BBC Sport, 13 February 2004"Ulster 31 Ospreys 19", Irish Independent, 14 February 2004Match centre WAL Neath-Swansea Ospreys N. BestS. YoungWallaceBrosnihan Larkin (4) Larkin MorrisWilliamsTiueti HensonTiueti Ravenhill, Belfast 5,041 Rob Dickson W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton (for Shields 43), Bryan Young (for Wilson 75), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 53), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 59), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 76), Sheldon Coulter, Andy Maxwell. 20 February 2004 19:30 Glasgow SCO 27–25 Report"Glasgow 27-25 Ulster", BBC Sport, 20 February 2004"Ulster let it slide", Irish Independent, 21 February 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster A. BullochLamontLawson Howarth (3) Howarth (2) N. BestS. YoungMcCullough Wallace (2) Larkin (2) Ward Hughenden, Glasgow 3,189 L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 14), Bryan Young, Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 59), Neil McMillan (for N. Best 55), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 67), Shane Stewart (For Larkin 56), Seamus Mallon. 28 February 2004 17:30 Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 27–19 Report"Dragons 27-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 28 February 2004Match Centre, Pro12 Rugby, 28 February 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster JarvisLuscombe Montgomery Montgomery (5) Wilson Humphreys Humphreys (4) Kempson Rodney Parade, Newport 4,016 L Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for S. Best), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace, Seamus Mallon. 5 March 2004 19:35 Ulster Ireland rugby union 36–13 Report"Ulster Bounce Back", Pro12 Rugby, 5 March 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Munster SextonWallaceMcMillanS. Young Wallace (2) Larkin (4) Murphy Lawler Lawler (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 8,820 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton (for Shields), Bryan Young (for McCormack), Rowan Frost, Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart). 12 March 2004 19:05 Celtic Warriors WAL 0–28 Report"Ulster Maintain Title Charge", Pro12 Rugby, 12 March 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster HumphreysStewartMcMillan Humphreys (2) Humphreys (3) Brewery Field, Bridgend 2,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields, Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), Neil Best (for McMillan), Kieran Campbell (for Topping), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham). 26 March 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 37–0 Report"Ulster Gun Down Edinburgh To Stay On Top", Pro12 Rugby, 26 March 2004Match centre SCO Edinburgh Howe (2)LarkinSextonWallace Larkin (3) Larkin (2) Burns Ravenhill, Belfast 6,328 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton), Bryan Young, Gary Longwell (for Frost), Warren Brosnihan (for Ward), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Scott Young (for Howe). 3 April 2004 17:30 Cardiff Blues WAL 19–15 Report"Blues Dent Ulster Hopes", Pro12 Rugby, 3 April 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Shanklin (2)Williams RobinsonHarris Robinson Williams BrosnihanS. Best Humphreys Humphreys Cardiff Arms Park 4,500 Gregg Davies L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for McCullough), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Seamus Mallon. 16 April 2004 19:35 Ulster Ireland rugby union 42–27 Report"Ulster Fight Back To Retain Ravenhill Record", Pro12 Rugby, 16 April 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Connacht BoweWardWallaceMcMillanS. Young Humphreys (4) Humphreys (3) MunnMcPhillips McHugh McHugh (3)Hewitt (2) Walls Ravenhill, Belfast 7,286 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for McCormack), Tim Barker (for Longwell), Neil Best (for McMillan), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), James Topping. 30 April 2004 19:30 Borders SCO 15–19 Report"Ulster Win Keeps Them On Target", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster FairleySetiti Vili Vili S. BestN. Best Humphreys (2) Humphreys Netherdale, Galashiels 1,200 W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker, Neil McMillan (for Ward), Kieran Campbell (for Doak), Paddy Wallace (for Steinmetz), Tommy Bowe (for Cunningham). 7 May 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 28–6 Report"Ulster'S Win Keeps Title Hopes Alive", Pr12 Rugby, 7 May 2004"Stylish Ulster miss out on bonus point", Irish Independent, 8 May 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Leinster Howe (2)Humphreys Humphreys (2) Humphreys (3) Frost O'Meara (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,000 Nigel Williams W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 68), Ronan McCormack (for Moore 73), Tim Barker, Neil McMillan (for Howe 80), Kieran Campbell (for Stewart 79), Adam Larkin (for Mallon 73), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 64). 14 May 2004 19:35 Llanelli Scarlets WAL 23–16 Report"Scarlets Crowned Celtic Champions", Pro12 Rugby, 14 May 2004Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Watkins Jones (5) Jones McMillan Humphreys Humphreys (3) Stradey Park, Llanelli 10,000 L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker (for Mustchin), Neil McMillan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham). Celtic Cup Celtic Cup (rugby union) Quarter-final 3 October 2003 Ulster Ireland rugby union 23 (3 tries) – 23 (2 tries) Report"Ulster Win Through On Try Count", Pro12 Rugby, 3 October 2003"Ulster earn countback win", BBC Sport, 3 October 2003Kieran Rooney, "Ulster try count downs Leinster", Irish Independent, 4 October 2003 Ireland rugby union Leinster Penalty tryHoweN. Best Larkin Larkin (2) O'RiordanBrown Leek (2) Leek (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 7,000 Nigel Owens W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85), James Topping (for S. Young 65), Simon Shawe (for B. Young 82), Nigel Brady, Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 40), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 65). Semi-final 15 November 2003 Glasgow Scotland 13-20 Report"Ulster edge out Glasgow", BBC Sport, 14 November 2003"Constable's try decisive as Ulster net final spot", Irish Independent, 15 November 2003 Ireland rugby union Ulster Morrison Howarth Parks Parks Constable Larkin (4) Larkin Hughenden Glasgow H. Watkins W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paul Shields, Simon Best (for B. Young 41), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 41), Roger Wilson, Neil Doak (for Campbell 41), Shane Stewart, Scott Young. Final 20 December 2003 14:30 GMT Edinburgh SCO rugbyunion 21–27 Report"Ulster hold on for victory", BBC Sport, 20 December 2003Brendan Fanning, "Humphreys king of Celtic warriors", Sunday Independent, 21 December 2003 IRE rugby union Ulster Simon WebsterDerrick LeeMike Blair Chris Paterson (3/3) Neil BestRowan Frost David Humphreys (1/2) David Humphreys (5) Murrayfield, Edinburgh 17,174 Nigel Williams (Wales) W Ulster lineup: 1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Paul Shields (for Sexton 58), Rod Moore, Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 68), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 74), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin (for Topping 58), Bryn Cunningham. Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance2003–04 Celtic League12•6,86312,0005,0412003–04 Heineken Cup311,489 12,30010,243116,8197,788 Friendlies 22 August 2003 Ulster IRE rugby union 33-3 ENG Orrell ReportGavin Mairs, "New star Maxwell takes off", Belfast Telegraph, 23 August 2003 MaxwellWallaceWardS. YoungCunningham Wallace (4) Slemen Ravenhill, Belfast 4,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Seamus Mallon, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Matt Sexton, Clem Boyd (for McCormack 40'), Matt Mustchin (for McCullough 40'), Neil Best (for McWhirter 50'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 57'), Tommy Bowe, Scott Young (for Mallon 50'). 30 August 2003 Ulster IRE rugby union 26-33 ENG London Irish ReportMichael Sadlier, "Ulster are just far too friendly", Ireland's Saturday Night, 30 August 2003 McCormackWardWallaceS. Young Wallace (3) M. Cannon, M. Horak, D. Armitage, B. Casey M. Mapletoft (3) Ravenhill, Belfast Alain Rolland L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Neil Doak (for Campbell 40'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 54'), Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 58'), Tommy Bowe (for Stewart 67'), Scott Young (for Maxwell 67'). Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 20 May 2004. Winners were:"Emotional end to Ulster season", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2004 Ulster Rugby personality of the year: Alan Solomons Ulster player of the year: Roger Wilson Club Ulster supporters' player of the year: Andy Ward Schools player of the year: John McCall, Royal School, Armagh Coach of the year: Kenny Hooks, Royal School, Armagh Club of the year: Belfast Harlequins Team of the year: Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV Youth player of the year: Neville Farr, Banbridge RFC Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Brian Banks Merit award: Bob Montgomery and Brian Elliott, Ravenhill grounds staff Media liaison of the year: John Dickson, Ballynahinch RFC References Category:Ulster Rugby seasons Ulster Ulster Ulster