2008–09 Ulster Rugby season

Provincial professional playing season July 2023 July 2023 2008–09 Ulster Rugby season File:Isaac Boss 2008.jpg Isaac Boss prepares to feed the scrum vs. Ospreys, Liberty Stadium, 27 September 2008 Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Matt Williams Rory Best Ian Humphreys (90) Darren Cave (7)Simon Danielli (7) Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)Celtic League (8th) _blackshoulders _redshoulders _blackshoulders FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FF0000 _blackshoulders _thinwhitesides _blackshoulders FF0000 000000 FF0000 000000 000000 2007–08 2009–10 The 2008–09 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 15th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their only full season under head coach Matt Williams. David Humphreys, who retired at the end of last season, was appointed to the newly created role of operations director, reporting to chief executive Michael Reid.Richard Mulligan, "New role for Humphreys at Ulster", News Letter, 5 June 2008 Peter Sharp joined as defence coach in August 2008.Gavin Mairs, "Peter has been Sharp man for Ulster: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 11 December 2008 Current player Paul Steinmetz was appointed backs coach."Club Profiles - Team Management", Ulster Rugby, archived, 13 September 2008 Former Ulster players Jonny Bell and Niall Malone joined the academy as Elite Player Development Officers.Richard Mulligan, "'Old Hands' are back in the Ravenhill fold", News Letter, 14 August 2008 New signings included Humphreys' younger brother Ian, who had been playing for Leicester Tigers since 2005."Ulster's maverick out half: Ian Humphreys"August 2026 InternetArchiveBot , The Front Row Union, 6 May 2020 Fijian winger Timoci Nagusa joined from Tailevu Knights."Ulster's flying Fijian: Timoci Nagusa", The Front Row Union, 2 May 2020 Ulster finished third in their Heineken Cup pool, and eighth in the Celtic League. One highlight of an otherwise disappointing season was a win over Munster at Thomond Park in January, the first time Munster had lost at home in European competition. Three of Ulster's five tries came from Ian Humphreys' assists. Ulster qualified for next season's Heineken Cup as one of Ireland's top three teams, finishing ahead of Connacht in the league. Matt Williams left by mutual consent at the end of the season."Williams resigns as Ulster coach", BBC Sport, 20 May 2009 Assistant coach Steve Williams also left after his contract was not renewed."Williams quits as Ulster rugby boss", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2009 For the following season, Ulster put a new management structure in place. Michael Reid was chief executive; David Humphreys was director of rugby, with overall responsibility for the senior team, the Ulster 'A' team (renamed the Ulster Ravens), the Ulster under-20s and the academy; and Brian McLaughlin was appointed head coach, assisted by forwards coaches Jeremy Davidson and Peter Sharp, and backs coach Neil Doak."McLaughlin Confirmed As New Ulster Coach", Irish Rugby, 23 June 2009 Rory Best was Ulster's Player of the Year, and flanker Stephen Ferris was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Staff Position Name Nationality Chief executive officer Michael Reid Ireland rugby union Ireland Operations director David Humphreys Ireland rugby union Ireland Director or coaching Matt Williams AUS Australia Assistant coach (forwards) Steve Williams WAL Wales Defence Coach Peter Sharp AUS Australia Backs coach/player Paul Steinmetz NZL New Zealand Skills coach Neil Doak Ireland rugby union Ireland Scrum co-ordinator Reggie Corrigan Ireland rugby union Ireland Team manager David Millar Ireland rugby union Ireland Head of strength and conditioning Jonny Davis Ireland rugby union Ireland Medical co-ordinator Dr. David Irwin Ireland rugby union Ireland Assistant team doctor Dr. Michael Webb Ireland rugby union Ireland Head physiotherapist Gareth Robinson Ireland rugby union Ireland Physiotherapist Alan McCaldin Ireland rugby union Ireland Performance analyst Alex McCloy Ireland rugby union Ireland Resources manager Mick Ennis AUS Australia Team administration co-ordinator Sarah Sherry Ireland rugby union Ireland Squad Senior squad Players in RSA BJ Botha from RSA Natal SharksRichard Mulligan, "Botha is a huge addition to Ulster squad", News Letter, 15 August 2008 RSA Robbie Diack from RSA StormersGavin Mairs, "Schifcofske can be best kicker since Mason: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 29 July 2008 IRE rugby union Ian Humphreys from ENG Leicester Tigers FIJ Timoci Nagusa from FIJ Tailevu Knights"Ulster sign Fijian flyer", Planet Rugby, 30 July 2008 IRE rugby union Ed O'Donoghue from AUS Queensland Reds NZL Filo Paulo from IRE rugby union Malone (short-term injury cover)Richard Mulligan, "Williams lauds medical expertise", News Letter, 7 January 2009 AUS Daniel Roach from AUS New South Wales WaratahsRichard Mulligan, "Ulster sign young Australian prop", News Letter, 21 June 2008 AUS Clinton Schifcofske from RSA Queensland Reds IRE rugby union Cillian Willis from IRE rugby union Leinster Promoted from academy IRE rugby union T. J. AndersonGavin Mairs, "'It's like having your own personal coach by your side'", Belfast Telegraph, 8 October 2008 IRE rugby union Mark McCreaGavin Mairs, "McCrea wants to cap new deal with Bourgoin victory", Belfast Telegraph, 11 January 2008 Players out IRE rugby union Tim Barker to FRA Castres"Ulster's Tim Barker reaches deal to join Castres", Irish Independent, 12 November 2007 AUS Mark Bartholomeusz to ITA PadovaRichard Mulligan, "End of the line for Ravenhill servants", News Letter, 6 May 2008 IRE rugby union Neil Best to ENG Northampton Saints IRE rugby union Simon Best retired"Simon Best Announces His Retirement From Rugby", Irish Rugby, 25 February 2008 IRE rugby union Tommy Bowe to WAL Ospreys"Bowe to join Ospreys", Irish Times, 25 January 2008 IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell to IRE rugby union Connacht IRE rugby union Niall Conlon released IRE rugby union Kieran Hallett to ENG Plymouth Albion AUS Justin Harrison to ENG Bath Rugbyhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/7234531.stm BBC News Northampton confirm Best signing 8 February 2008 7 May 2010 IRE rugby union David Humphreys retired AUS Adam Larkin retiredRichard Mulligan, "Changing of the guard and colours", News Letter, 19 May 2008 WAL Matt Miles to ENG Cambridge"Miles delighted to be back home", BBC Sport, 18 September 2008 IRE rugby union Neil McMillan to ENG Harlequinshttp://www.union.quins.co.uk/news/5932.php Harlequins would like to announce the signing of Neil McMillan Quins 2008-04-01 2008-04-09 dead https://archive.today/20121223220144/http://www.union.quins.co.uk/news/5932.php 2012-12-23 NZL Grant Webb to WAL Newport Gwent DragonsDragons line up Kiwi pair – icWales IRE rugby union Roger Wilson to ENG Northampton Saints Ulster Rugby squadAppearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.ukProps RSA BJ Botha (22 apps, 22 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Tom Court (22 apps, 11 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick (16 apps, 8 starts) IRE rugby union Bryan Young (8 apps, 5 starts) IRE rugby union Declan Fitzpatrick (3 apps, 2 starts) AUS Daniel Roach (1 app) IRE rugby union Jarlath Carey Hookers IRE rugby union Rory Best (c) (20 apps, 19 starts) IRE rugby union Nigel Brady (14 apps, 5 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Stuart Philpott (3 apps) IRE rugby union Neil Hanna (1 app) Locks IRE rugby union Ed O'Donoghue (22 apps, 20 starts) IRE rugby union Ryan Caldwell (21 apps, 18 starts) IRE rugby union Matt McCullough (20 apps, 12 starts) ITA Carlo Del Fava (15 apps, 7 starts) NZL Filo Paulo (2 apps)Back row RSA Robbie Diack* (20 apps, 19 starts) IRE rugby union David Pollock (20 apps, 16 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Stephen Ferris (13 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Chris Henry (9 apps, 8 starts) IRE rugby union Kieron Dawson (14 apps, 7 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union T. J. Anderson (4 apps) IRE rugby union Willie Faloon (1 app) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Isaac Boss (23 apps, 16 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Cillian Willis (11 apps, 6 starts) IRE rugby union Paul Marshall (7 apps, 4 starts, 5 pts) Fly-halves ENG Niall O'Connor (17 apps, 12 starts, 30 pts) IRE rugby union Ian Humphreys (17 apps, 11 starts, 113 pts)Centres IRE rugby union Darren Cave (21 apps, 21 starts, 35 pts) IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace (16 apps, 15 starts, 23 pts) IRE rugby union Andrew Trimble (11 apps, 11 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Ian Whitten (8 apps, 5 starts) NZ Paul Steinmetz (10 apps, 4 starts, 5 pts) SCO Rob Dewey (7 apps, 3 starts) IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon (no apps) Wings SCO Simon Danielli (13 apps, 12 starts, 35 pts) FIJ Timoci Nagusa (13 apps, 10 starts, 20 pts) IRE rugby union Mark McCrea (8 apps, 2 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Paul McKenzie (no apps) Fullbacks AUS Clinton Schifcofske (19 apps, 17 starts, 60 pts) IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (13 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) (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.Squad Academy squad Players in IRE rugby union Nevin Spence IRE rugby union Paddy McAllister IRE rugby union Adam Macklin IRE rugby union Ricky Andrew IRE rugby union David McGregor IRE rugby union Jonny Shiels Players out IRE rugby union Neil Simpson IRE rugby union Pat Steenkamp IRE rugby union Sam McDonald IRE rugby union Mark Robinson IRE rugby union Chris Quinn IRE rugby union Owen McMurray IRE rugby union Stephen Douglas Position"Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy", Ulster Rugby, archived 3 February 2009 Name Nationality High Performance Director Gary Longwell Ireland rugby union Ireland Elite Player Development Officer Jonny Bell Ireland rugby union Ireland Elite Player Development Officer Niall Malone Ireland rugby union Ireland Strength & conditioning coach Aaron Peck ENG England Academy squadProps IRE rugby union Paul Karayiannis (2) IRE rugby union Adam Macklin (1) IRE rugby union Paddy McAllister (1) Hookers IRE rugby union Stephen Douglas (3) IRE rugby union David McGregor (1) Locks IRE rugby union James Sandford (2)Back row IRE rugby union Willie Faloon (3) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union David Drake (3) IRE rugby union Ian Porter (2) Fly-halves noneCentres IRE rugby union Ian Whitten (2) IRE rugby union Jonny Shiels (1) IRE rugby union Nevin Spence (1) Wings IRE rugby union Chris Cochrane (2) IRE rugby union Tommy Seymour (2) Fullbacks IRE rugby union Ricky Andrew (1) IRE rugby union Jamie Smith (2) Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 2008-09 Heineken Cup 6 2 1 3 113 134 -21 13 13 2008-09 Celtic League 18 7 0 11 298 331 -33 30 33 Total 24 9 1 14 411 465 -54 43 46 Heineken Cup 2008–09 Heineken Cup Pool 4 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTBLBPts ENG Harlequins (3)650116124144115292022 FRA Stade Français630313112131109221215 IRE rugby union Ulster621313130113134−210111 WAL Scarlets61141218−6124154−30028 11 October 2008 15:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 10 – 26 Report"Stade too strong for Ulster", ESPN, 11 October 2008, via Internet ArchiveMatch centre FRA Stade Français Wallace 74' c O'Connor (1/1) O'Connor (1) 49' Bousses 23' cSzarzewski 60' c Beauxis (2/2) Beauxis (1) 15' Hernández (2) 10', 26'Beauxis (1) 63' Ravenhill, Belfast 10,397 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 74'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick, 18. Carlo del Fava (for Steinmetz 57'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 68'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Schifkofske 45'). 18 October 2008 15:00 Harlequins ENG 42 – 21 Report"Harlequins 42-21 Ulster", BBC Sport, 18 October 2008Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Turner-Hall 15' mWilliams (2) 26' m, 61' mCare 33' cPenalty Try 40' cBrown 43' c Malone (3/6) Malone (2) 7', 66' Care 51 Nagusa 2' cWallace 52' cTrimble 57' c O'Connor (3/3) McCullough 28 Twickenham Stoop, London 12,368 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Tagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 72'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 47'), 18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Del Fava 47'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 52'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 66'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 63'), 22. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 66). 5 December 2008 20:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 26 – 16 Report"Ulster register deserved win against Scarlets", ESPN, 5 December 2008Match centre WAL Scarlets Cave 25' cDanielli 34' mPollock 64' m Humphreys (1/3) Humphreys (3) 7', 40', 59' McCrea 71 Thomas 79' c Jones (1/1) S. Jones (3) 10', 28', 47' Ravenhill, Belfast 8,729 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for J. Fitzpatrick 52'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 67'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 72'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Steinmetz 69'). 12 December 2008 20:00 Scarlets WAL 16 – 16 Report"Scarlets battle back for share of spoils", ESPN, 12 December 2008Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Daniel 46' c Jones (1/1) S. Jones (3) 20', 53', 78' Humphreys 23' mWallace 32' m Humphreys (0/2) Humphreys 71' Humphreys 12' Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli 8,026 D Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha), 18. Matt McCullough (for Caldwell), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Cave), 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham). 17 January 2009 14:35 Ulster IRE rugby union 21 – 10 Report"Ulster breeze past Harlequins in a stormy Cup encounter", The Guardian, 19 January 2009Match centre ENG Harlequins Cave 1' cR. Best 78' m Humphreys (1/1)Schifcofske (0/1) Humphreys (3/3) 8', 29', 39' Penalty try 60' c Evans (1/1) Evans (1/1) 43'Malone (0/1) Care 35 Ravenhill, Belfast 8,861 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Tom Court, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick 61'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Henry 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 61'), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 58'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 41'). 24 January 2009 14:35 Stade Français FRA 24 – 19 Report"Ulster miss chances in France", Sky Sports, 24 January 2009Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Leguizamón 54' mGasnier 77' c Beauxis (1/2) Beauxis (4/6) 28', 29', 49', 58' Rabadan 34 Steimetz 37' mBrady 80' m O'Connor (0/1)Schifcofske (0/1) O'Connor (1/3) 15'Schifcofske (2/3) 46', 72' Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris 8,450 L Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Chris Henry, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Young 52'), 18. Kieron Dawson (for Henry 48'), 19. Willie Faloon (for McCullough 71'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall 47'), 21. Rob Dewey, 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 76'). Celtic League 2008–09 Celtic League TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATry bonusLosing bonusPts1IRE rugby union Munster18140 4405257+148492361632SCO Edinburgh18110 7416296+120403065553IRE rugby union Leinster18111 6401270+131382042524WAL Ospreys18110 7397319 +78392835525WAL Scarlets18 90 9376395 −19414631406WAL Cardiff Blues18 81 9322361 −39313622387SCO Glasgow Warriors18 7011349375 −26364145378IRE rugby union Ulster18 7011298331 −33303326369WAL Newport Gwent Dragons18 7011305429−1242639143310IRE rugby union Connacht18 4014224460−23620541320Under 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/20131122231103/http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/table.php?includeref=11189&season=2008-2009 2013-11-22 5 September 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 9–16 Report"Ulster 9-16 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 5 September 2008Match centre WAL Scarlets Schifcofske (3) Daniel Jones Jones (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 7,368 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 66'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 23'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 66'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Bryn Cunningham. 12 September 2008 19:05 Cardiff Blues WAL 16–15 Report"Ulster given a dose of the Blues", Sky Sports, 12 September 2008Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Halfpenny Blair Blair (3) BothaBoss O'Connor O'Connor Cardiff City Stadium 8,619 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 48'), 18. Kieron Dawson, 19. TJ Anderson (for Pollock 42'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 12'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 20'). 19 September 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 14–16 Report"Dragons add to Ulster woes", Sky Sports, 19 September 2008Match centre WAL Newport Gwent Dragons DawsonHumphreys Schifcofske (2) Smith Arlidge Arlidge (3) Fussell Ravenhill, Belfast 7,885 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 61'), 19. TJ Anderson (for McCullough 66'), 20. Paddy Wallace (for Boss 61'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 36'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Dewey 72'). 27 September 2008 17:30 Ospreys WAL 43–0 Report"Ospreys 43-0 Ulster", BBC Sport, 27 September 2008Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster WellsHook (2)WilliamsBoweByrneJones Hook (5) Hook Botha McCullough Liberty Stadium, Swansea 7,225 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Clinton Schifcofske, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Rob Dewey, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 66'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 51'), 18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Caldwell 67'), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McCullough 59'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss (68'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 70'), 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Cunningham 30'). 3 October 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 13–9 Report"Ulster finally break duck", Sky Sports, 4 October 2008Match centre SCO Edinburgh Pollock Schifcofske Schifcofske Blair (2)Godman Ravenhill, Belfast 8,418 W Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 60'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 60'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 76'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 43'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Timoci Nagusa. 25 October 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 22–6 Report"Ulster off the bottom", Sky Sports, 25 October 2008Match centre Ireland rugby union Munster Nagusa (2)Boss Humphreys (2) Humphreys Caldwell Warwick Ravenhill, Belfast 10,058 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 47'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 47'), 19. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 71'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 12'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Cunningham 71'). 28 November 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 53–13 Report"Ulster demolish Connacht", Sky Sports, 28 November 2008Match centre Ireland rugby union Connacht FerrisNagusaDanielli (2)McCreaCaveCunningham Humphreys (6) Humphreys (2) Carr Keatley Keatley (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 8,841 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 67'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 56'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 67'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Wallace 1'), 22. Simon Danielli (for Nagusa 36'). 27 December 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 13–21 Report"Leinster reign at Ravenhill", Sky Sports, 27 December 2008Match centre Ireland rugby union Leinster Cave Humphreys Humphreys (2) ElsomKeogh Contepomi Contepomi (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 13,500 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 48'), 18. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham 41'). 3 January 2009 19:30 Munster Ireland rugby union 11–37 Report"Munster 11-37 Ulster", BBC Sport, 3 January 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Howlett Warwick (2) Pucciariello WallaceCaveMcCreaCourtTrimble Humphreys (3) Humphreys (2) McCullough Dawson Thomond Park, Limerick 25,623 W Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'), 18. Filo Paulo (for McCullough 57'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 68'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 75'), 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Mark McCrea (for Nagusa 13'). 9 January 2009 19:45 Edinburgh SCO 21–15 Report"Ulster crash at Murrayfield", Sky Sports, 9 January 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster SouthwellHamilton Godman Godman (3) Humphreys (4)Wallace Murrayfield, Edinburgh 3,393 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 50'), 18. Filo Paulo (for Diack 32'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 73'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Cave 67'). 22 February 2009 16:10 Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 26–16 Report"Tovey magic stuns Ulster", Sky Sports, 22 January 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Tovey (3) Tovey ConnorTovey (2) Thomas Danielli Humphreys HumphreysSchifcofske (2) Court Pollock Rodney Parade, Newport 6,112 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. David Pollock, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 53'), 17. Brian Young (for Court 58'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough 69'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Henry 64'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Ian Whitten (for Steinmetz 45'). 7 March 2009 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 12–0 Report"Ulster end losing run", Sky Sports, 7 March 2009Match centre SCO Glasgow Warriors CaveTrimble Humphreys J. Fitzpatrick Tkachuk Ravenhill, Belfast 8,286 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 41'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough 63'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 65'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 71'). 29 March 2009 17:30 Leinster Ireland rugby union 32–6 Report"Leinster see off Ulster", Sky Sports, 29 March 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster McFaddenCullenElsomKeogh Contepomi (3) Contepomi (2) HumphreysSchifcofske Diack RDS Arena, Dublin 15,940 L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 70'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 54'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 56'), 19. Robbie Diack (for McCullough 54'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 64'), 21. Ian Whitten (for Humphreys 55'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Cave 69'). 3 April 2009 19:35 Ulster Ireland rugby union 13–16 Report"Ospreys edge out Ulster", Sky Sports, 3 April 2009Match centre WAL Ospreys Danielli Schifcofske Schifcofske (2) Tiatia Hook Hook (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 9,600 L Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Chris Henry, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Simon Danielli, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Young 74'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 71'), 19. Willie Faloon, 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa. 17 April 2009 19:30 Glasgow Warriors SCO 19–20 Report"Ulster Dig Deep To Score Rare Scottish Win", Pro12 Rugby, 17 April 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Evans Gregor Gregor (2)Parks Low PollockDanielli Schifcofske (2) Schifcofske (2) Young Firhill Stadium, Glasgow 2,960 W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Ian Whitten, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Daniel Roach, 18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Darren Cave. 24 April 2009 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 9–11 Report"Ulster Misfire As Cardiff Claim Narrow Win", Irish Rugby, 24 April 2009Match centre WAL Cardiff Blues SchifcofskeO'Connor O'Connor Botha Loxton Sweeney Gill Ravenhill, Belfast 7,809 L Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court, 18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa. 8 May 2009 19:00 Connacht Ireland rugby union 12–14 Report"Connacht 12-14 Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 May 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster CarrBrowne Keatley Danielli Humphreys (2)Schifcofske The Sportsground, Galway 1,425 W Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofkse, 15. Isaac Boss. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 80'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 64'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 51'), 19. Matt McCullough, 20. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 51'), 21. Rob Dewey (for Cave 72'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Whitten 64'). 16 May 2009 19:30 Scarlets WAL 43–17 Report"Scarlets 43-17 Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 May 2009Match centre Ireland rugby union Ulster EvansDayWilliamsDanielRobertsLyons Priestland (5) Priestland Paul MarshallCave O'ConnorHumphreys O'Connor Diack Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli 6,219 L Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Isaac Boss. Replacements: 16. Neil Hanna (for D. Fitzpatrick 69'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Henry 41') 20. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 52'), 21. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 64'), 22. Clinton Schifcofke. Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance2008–09 Celtic League99,08513,5007,3682008–09 Heineken Cup39,329 10,3978,729109,7529,146 Friendlies 15 August 2008 Ulster Ireland rugby union 7-15 ReportMichael Sadlier, "New-look Ulster run out of ideas against Bath", Belfast Telegraph, 16 August 2008 ENG Bath Cave Schifcofske Crane (2) Berne Kydd Ravenhill, Belfast L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo Del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Chris Cochrane, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: Neil Hanna, Jarlath Carey, Filo Paulo, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Bryn Cunningham, Ian Whitten, Willie Faloon, T. J. Anderson, Seamus Mallon. 22 August 2008 Ulster Ireland rugby union 24-0 ReportRichard Mulligan, "Improved Ulster find scoring touch", News Letter, 23 August 2008 AUS Queensland Reds DeweyCochraneNagusa Schifcofske (2)Wallace Schifcofske Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. T. J. Anderson, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Chris Cochrane, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: Neil Hanna (for Best 57'), Jarlath Carey (for Court 65'), Chris Henry (for Anderson 70'), Filo Paulo (for McCullough 33'), Cillian Willis (for Cave 68'), Rob Dewey (for Humphreys 40'), Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 56') 27 August 2008 Ulster Ireland rugby union 10-23 ReportRichard Mulligan, "Williams' Ulster fail to impress at home", News Letter, 28 August 2008 ENG Worcester Warriors McCrea Humphreys Humphreys BowleyTaleiPowell Jones JonesCrichton Ravenhill, Belfast L Ulster lineup: 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo Del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Stuart Philpott, Justin Fitzpatrick, Filo Paulo, Willie Faloon, Cillian Willis, T. J. Anderson, Niall O'Connor, Ian Whitten, Rob Dewey, Robbie Diack. 13 November 2008 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 62–6 Report"Ulster 62-6 Portugal", BBC Sport, 11 November 2008 POR Portugal Cave (4)McCrea (2)Nagusa (2)HannaWhitten Humphreys (3)O'Connor (3) Cabral (2) Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Neil Hanna, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Filo Paulo, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. TJ Anderson, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Jarlath Carey, 18. Justin Fitzpatrick, 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Paul Steinmetz, 23. Chris Henry, 24. James Sandford, 25. Chris Cochrane. Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 14 May 2009 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. Winners were:Richard Mulligan, "Ferris claims top accolade", News Letter, 15 May 2009 Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Stephen Ferris Rugby Writers Player of the Year: Stephen Ferris Ulster Player of the Year: Rory Best Young Ulster Player of the Year: Darren Cave Academy Player of the Year: Willie Faloon Schools' Player of the Year: Niall Annett, Methodist College Belfast Club of the Year: Ballynahinch RFC Club Player of the Year: Chris Stevenson, Ballynahinch RFC Youth Player of the Year: Stephen Irvine, Banbridge RFC Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: William Davidson, Armagh References 2008-09 Category:2008–09 in Irish rugby union Category:2008–09 Celtic League by team Category:2008–09 Heineken Cup by team