2007–08 Ulster Rugby season

Provincial professional playing season July 2023 July 2023 2007–08 Ulster Rugby season File:David Humphreys 2008.jpg David Humphreys vs Cardiff Blues, Ravenhill, 9 May 2008 Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Mark McCallSteve WilliamsMatt Williams Rory Best Paddy Wallace (79) Tommy Bowe (8) Heineken Cup (4th in pool)Celtic League (9th) _blackshoulders _redshoulders _blackshoulders FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FF0000 _blackshoulders _thinwhitesides _blackshoulders FF0000 000000 FF0000 000000 000000 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,"Ulster Rugby Introduce New Recruits", Irish Rugby, 2 July 2007 replacing Allen Clarke, who had left to become the manager of the IRFU's elite player programme."Clarke set to leave Ulster for IRFU role", Belfast Telegraph, 25 May 2007 After a poor run of results, Mark McCall resigned as head coach in November 2007. Steve Williams took over on an interim basis,"Ulster coach quits", Sky Sports, 13 November 2007 and Matt Williams was appointed as McCall's permanent replacement in December."Ulster confirm Matt Williams as new Head Coach", Irish Examiner, 30 December 2007 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."Tyrone Crystal trophies awarded to Irish stars", Tyrone Herald, 5 May 2008 Staff Position NameManagement profiles, Ulster Rugby, archived 22 December 2022 Nationality Head coach (to 13 Nov 2007) Mark McCall Ireland rugby union Ireland Assistant coach (to 13 November 2007)Caretaker coach (13 Nov-30 Dec 2007) Steve Williams Wales Wales Head coach (from 30 Dec 2007) Matt Williams AUS Australia Assistant coach Neil Kelly ENG England Fitness coach Philip Morrow Ireland rugby union Ireland Team physiotherapist Gareth Robinson Ireland rugby union Ireland Fitness coach Jonny Davis Ireland rugby union Ireland Team doctor David Irwin Ireland rugby union Ireland Team Manager David Millar Ireland rugby union Ireland Video analyst Simon McGookin Ireland rugby union Ireland Squad Senior squad Players in (Season 2007/2008) IRE rugby union Jarlath Carey from ENG Rotherham Titans SCO Simon Danielli from SCO Border Reivers"Ulster sign Reivers' Danielli", Guinness Pro12, 22 February 2007 ITA Carlo Del Fava from FRA Bourgoin SCO Rob Dewey from SCO Edinburgh"SRU losing key player as Dewey joins Ulster", The Scotsman, 23 February 2007 IRE rugby union Kieran Hallett from ENG Bedford Blues"Hallett included in Ulster squad", RTÉ Sport, 2 October 2007 IRE rugby union Neil Hanna from ENG Rotherham Titans"Hanna set to miss Ulster season", BBC Sport, 10 August 2007 IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon from ENG Northampton Saints WAL Matt Miles from ENG Pertemps Bees"Matt has covered the Miles to be in Belfast", News Letter, 22 September 2007 NZL Grant Webb from JAP Toyota Verblitz"Webb signs for Ulster", Irish Examiner, 22 December 2007 Promoted from academy IRE rugby union Darren Cave IRE rugby union Niall O'Connor IRE rugby union David Pollock Players Out (Season 2007/2008) IRE rugby union John Andress to ENG Exeter ChiefsMurray Kinsella, "Munster close in on Irish tighthead Andress ahead of next season", Yahoo! News, 26 January 2016 AUS Sam Harding released IRE rugby union Kevin Maggs to ENG Bristol Rugby"Bristol swoop for double signing", BBC Sport, 10 January 2007 IRE rugby union Andy Maxwell to SCO Edinburgh"Maxwell signs for Edinburgh", Six Nations Rugby, 6 June 2007 IRE rugby union Paul Shields to ENG Northampton Saints"Shields joins Saints", Irish Examiner, 14 March 2007 IRE rugby union Lewis Stevenson to ENG Exeter Chiefs"Lewis Stevenson rejoins Exeter from Ulster to reinforce second row", The Guardian, 25 January 2016 IRE rugby union Scott Young to ENG Doncaster Knights"Bishop And Young Join Doncaster", Irish Rugby, 26 June 2007 Ulster Rugby squadAppearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.ukProps IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick (21 apps, 16 starts) IRE rugby union Bryan Young (21 apps, 15 starts) IRE rugby union Tom Court (14 apps, 11 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Declan Fitzpatrick (12 apps, 6 starts) IRE rugby union Simon Best (no apps) IRE rugby union Jarlath Carey (no apps) IRE rugby union Niall Conlon (no apps) Hookers IRE rugby union Rory Best (19 apps, 17 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Nigel Brady (13 apps, 7 starts) WAL Matt Miles (1 app) IRE rugby union Stuart Philpott (1 app) IRE rugby union Neil Hanna (no apps) Locks IRE rugby union Matt McCullough (22 apps, 19 starts, 15 pts) AUS Justin Harrison (21 apps, 16 starts) IRE rugby union Ryan Caldwell (22 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts) ITA Carlo Del Fava (19 apps, 12 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Tim Barker (4 apps, 2 starts)Back row IRE rugby union Neil Best (19 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Kieron Dawson (17 apps, 13 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Roger Wilson (15 apps, 10 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Stephen Ferris (10 apps, 10 starts) IRE rugby union David Pollock (12 apps, 6 starts) NZL Grant Webb (4 apps, 2 starts) IRE rugby union Neil McMillan (3 apps, 1 start) IRE rugby union Chris Henry (no apps) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Isaac Boss (20 apps, 17 starts, 20 pts) IRE rugby union Paul Marshall (9 apps, 5 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell (10 apps, 3 starts) Fly-halves ENG Niall O'Connor (16 apps, 10 starts, 61 pts) IRE rugby union David Humphreys (6 apps, 3 starts, 27 pts) IRE rugby union Kieran Hallett (1 app)Centres IRE rugby union Andrew Trimble (18 apps, 18 starts, 20 pts) IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace (19 apps, 15 starts, 79 pts) SCO Rob Dewey (14 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) NZL Paul Steinmetz (8 apps, 7 starts) IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon (4 apps, 3 starts) IRE rugby union Darren Cave (2 apps, 1 start) AUS Adam Larkin (1 app) Wings IRE rugby union Tommy Bowe (23 apps, 23 starts, 40 pts) AUS Mark Bartholomeusz (19 apps, 15 starts, 5 pts) SCO Simon Danielli (15 apps, 15 starts, 30 pts) IRE rugby union Mark McCrea (13 apps, 10 starts) IRE rugby union Paul McKenzie (no apps) Fullbacks IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (16 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union 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.Squad Academy squad Players in IRE rugby union Tommy Seymour IRE rugby union James Sandford IRE rugby union Ian Porter IRE rugby union Chris Cochrane IRE rugby union Jamie Smith IRE rugby union Ian Whitten IRE rugby union Paul Karayiannis IRE rugby union Pat Steenkamp IRE rugby union Sam McDonald IRE rugby union Chris Quinn Players out IRE rugby union Michael Ferguson IRE rugby union Phil Coulter IRE rugby union Stuart Megaw IRE rugby union Richard Fegan IRE rugby union Dale Black Academy squad"Academy Profiles", Ulster Rugby, archived 27 February 2008Props IRE rugby union Paul Karayiannis (1) IRE rugby union Neil Simpson (2) IRE rugby union Pat Steenkamp (1) Hookers IRE rugby union Stephen Douglas (2) Locks IRE rugby union Sam McDonald (1) IRE rugby union James Sandford (1)Back row IRE rugby union T. J. Anderson (2) IRE rugby union Willie Faloon (2) IRE rugby union Mark Robinson (2) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union David Drake (2) IRE rugby union Ian Porter (1) Fly-halves noneCentres IRE rugby union Ian Whitten (1) Wings IRE rugby union Chris Cochrane (1) IRE rugby union Mark McCrea (2) IRE rugby union Chris Quinn (1) IRE rugby union Tommy Seymour (1) Fullbacks IRE rugby union Owen McMurray (2) IRE rugby union Jamie Smith (1) Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 2007-08 Heineken Cup 6 1 0 5 102 173 -71 13 24 2007-08 Celtic League 18 6 1 11 278 407 -129 33 41 Total 24 7 1 16 380 580 -200 46 65 Heineken Cup 2007–08 Heineken Cup Pool 2 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTBLBPtsENG Gloucester (3)65012413+11184119+654024WAL Ospreys (8)6501169+7164102+621021FRA Bourgoin61051219−7118174−56138IRE rugby union Ulster61051324−11102173−71015 9 November 2007 20:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 14–32 Report"Ulster 14 Gloucester 32: Lamb leads humbling of Ulster", The Independent, 10 November 2007Match centre ENG Gloucester Tries: McCullough 29' cWallace 40' cCon: Wallace (2) Tries: Vainikolo 7' mTindall 9' mLamb 18' cSimpson-Daniel 22' mBalshaw 26' cCon: Lamb (2)Pen: Lamb 67' Ravenhill, Belfast 13,000 Nigel Owens (Wales) L 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 FRA 24–17 Report"Bourgoin sink brave Ulster", Sky Sports, 16 November 2007Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Tries: Tchougong 56' cCoux 64' mCon: BoyetPen: Boyet 15', 28', 39', 80+4' Tries: Dawson 12' cDanielli 23' cCon: Wallace (2)Pen: Wallace 31' Stade Pierre Rajon, Bourgoin-Jallieu 6,000 Wayne Barnes (England) L 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 WAL 48–17 Report"Ospreys 48-17 Ulster", BBC Sport, 7 December 2007Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Tries: Parker 4' mMarshall 19' cA. W. Jones 44' cTiatia 46' cWalker (2) 64' c, 80+3' cByrne 72' mCon: Hook (5)Pen: Hook 12' Tries: Boss 52' cDanielli 68' cCon: Wallace (2)Pen: Wallace 21' Liberty Stadium, Swansea 8,082 Chris White (England) L 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 IRE rugby union 8–16 Report"Ulster 8-16 Ospreys", RTE, 14 December 2007Match centre WAL Ospreys Danielli 38' m O'Connor 17' Caldwell 55Del Fava 74 Marshall 54' c Hook Hook (3) 12', 15', 56' Ravenhill, Belfast 9,665 Malcolm Changleng (Scotland) L 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 IRE rugby union 25–24 Reporthttps://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ulster-vs-bourgoin/27863 "Trimble wins it for Ulster"], Sky Sports, 11 January 2007Match centre FRA Bourgoin Bowe 44' cMarshall 55' cTrimble 78' m Humphreys (2) Humphreys (2) 6', 13' Coux 2' mDenos 20' mVigneaux 40' cPetrilli 47' c Parra (2) Jooste 53Monzeglio 66Frier 75 Ravenhill, Belfast 8,340 James Jones (Wales) W 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 ENG 29–21 Report"Gloucester 29-21 Ulster", RTE, 20 January 2007Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Qera (2) 7' c, 59' mStrokosch 34' cBalshaw 71' mNarraway 80' m Paterson (2) Qera 80+2 Bowe (2) 21' c, 77' cTrimble 44' c Wallace (2)O'Connor McCrea 36 Kingsholm, Gloucester 12,480 Romain Poite (France) L 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 2007–08 Celtic League TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATry bonusLosing bonusPtsIRE rugby union Leinster18131 4428283+14544304361WAL Cardiff Blues18120 6395315 +8048316256IRE rugby union Munster18101 7330258 +7233262448SCO Edinburgh18 93 6313285 +2835293348SCO Glasgow Warriors18101 7340349 −931381346WAL Llanelli Scarlets18 7011403362 +4145386539WAL Ospreys18 6111321255 +6624242937WAL Newport Gwent Dragons18 7110282394−11231441334IRE rugby union Ulster18 6111278407−12933412129IRE rugby union Connacht18 5112214396−18216390224Under 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/20131122231018/http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/table.php?includeref=11189&season=2007-2008 22 November 2013 21 September 2007 18:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 17–16 Report"Ospreys Remain Winless As Ulster Edge Ravenhill Battle", Pro12 Rugby, 21 September 2007 WAL Ospreys Danielli O'Connor (4) Bishop Connor Connor (3) James Ravenhill, Belfast 8,142 W 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 SCO 24–10 Report"Edinburgh Outgun Ulster At Murrayfield", Pro12 Rugby, 28 September 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster TurnbullHouston Godman (2)Warnock Warnock Gissing Bartholomeusz O'Connor O'Connor Caldwell Murrayfield, Edinburgh 1,389 L 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 WAL 31–11 Report"Three-Try Dragons Score Long Overdue Win Over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 October 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster WyattCharterisDavies Sweeney (2) Sweeney (4) Court O'Connor (4) McCullough Pollock Rodney Parade, Newport 4,139 L 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 WAL 32–8 Report"Ulster Stay Bottom As Scarlets Sizzle On Home Patch", Pro12 Rugby, 12 October 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster WatkinsJonesManuEdwards Priestland (3) Priestland (2) Bowe Wallace McMillan Stradey Park, Llanelli 6,480 L 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 Ireland rugby union 16–16 Report"Humphreys-Inspired Ulster Bite Back In Ravenhill Stalemate", Pro12 Rugby, 26 October 2007 Ireland rugby union Leinster Trimble Humphreys Humphreys (2) Humphreys D'Arcy Sexton Sexton (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 13,132 D 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 SCO 25–6 Report"Parks On The Mark As Glasgow Battle Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 November 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster Henderson Parks Parks (6) Humphreys (2) Firhill Stadium, Glasgow 2,631 L 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 Ireland rugby union 13–30 Report"Gutsy Galway Win Sees Ulster Climb Off The Bottom", Pro12 Rugby, 23 November 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster Riordan Donnelly DunneDonnelly DawsonWilsonDel Fava Wallace (3) Wallace (3) N. Best The Sportsground, Galway 2,541 W 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 Ireland rugby union 14–20 Report"First Half Performance Sees Edinburgh Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 November 2007 SCO Edinburgh Bowe Wallace (3) DeyCairns Godman (2) Godman (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 9,750 L 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 Ireland rugby union 29–0 Report"Two-Try Leinster Add To Ulster's Woes", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2007 Ireland rugby union Ulster HeaslipHealy Contepomi (2) Contepomi (5) Boss N. Best RDS Arena, Dublin 18,230 L 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 Ireland rugby union 38–13 Report"Ulster Get Williams' Reign Off To Winning Start", Pro12 Rugby, 15 February 2008 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons R. BestCunninghamDanielliWallaceBossCaldwell O'Connor (4) Dollman Thomas Sweeney Black Ravenhill, Belfast 9,246 W 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 Ireland rugby union 20–8 Report"Ulster Sweep Scarlets Aside For Back-To-Back Wins", Pro12 Rugby, 29 February 2008 WAL Llanelli Scarlets McCulloughN. BestBoss O'Connor O'Connor Priestland Priestland Ravenhill, Belfast 8,869 W 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 Ireland rugby union 42–6 Report"Munster Sizzle As They Put Six Tries Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 22 March 2008 Ireland rugby union Ulster O'GaraO'DriscollBuckleyO'LearyHowlettCoughlan O'Gara (4)Warwick O'Connor (2) Court Musgrave Park, Cork 7,500 L 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. Mark McCrea (for Cunningham). 28 March 2008 19:10 Ospreys WAL 32–7 Report"Four-Try Ospreys Sweep Ulster Aside", Pro12 Rugby, 28 March 2008 Ireland rugby union Ulster Williams (2)WalkerHook Hook (3) Hook (2) Dawson O'Connor Court Liberty Stadium, Swansea 9,087 L 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 Ireland rugby union 18–6 Report"Luckless Connacht Undone By Ulster's Second Half Salvo", Pro12 Rugby, 11 April 2008 Ireland rugby union Connacht McCulloughCourt Wallace WallaceO'Connor Ferris DunneNathan Morris Ravenhill, Belfast 9,248 W 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 WAL 30–17 Report"Blues Overcome Ulster But Miss Out On Bonus", Pro12 Rugby, 19 April 2008 Ireland rugby union Ulster ThomasWilliamsRoberts Blair (3) Blair (2)Flanagan BoweCaldwell O'Connor (2) O'Connor Caldwell Cardiff Arms Park 6,500 L 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 Ireland rugby union 19–9 Report"Three-Try Ulster Pick Up Valuable Win Over Munster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2008 Ireland rugby union Munster DeweyTrimbleCaldwell Wallace (2) Caldwell Warwick (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,300 W 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 Ireland rugby union 24–35 Report"Glasgow Outgun Ulster For Fourth Straight Win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 May 2008 SCO Glasgow Warriors BoweDanielliWilsonBoss Wallace (2) BeattieT. EvansFa'atauM. Evans Parks (3) Parks (3) Low Barclay Ravenhill, Belfast 6,592 L 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 Ireland rugby union 17–26 Report"Humphreys Bows Out With Defeat As Cardiff Spoil Ulster's Party", Pro12 Rugby, 9 May 2008 WAL Cardiff Blues BoweDanielliWallace Wallace Molitika (2)DownDavies Halfpenny (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 9,672 L 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 Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance2007–08 Celtic League99,66113,1326,5922007–08 Heineken Cup310,335 13,0008,340117,9569,830 Friendlies 31 August 2007 Ulster Ireland rugby union 13-12 ReportGavin Mairs, "Dream debut for McCrea", Belfast Telegraph, 1 September 2007 ENG Leeds Carnegie McCrea Steinmetz O'Connor (2) Di Bernardo (3) Di Bernardo Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Tim Barker, 6. Chris Henry, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark Kettyle, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: Stuart Philpott (for Brady), Jarlath Carey (for Court 47'), Filo Paulo (for Barker 38-40'), Matt McCullough (for Henry 40'), David Pollock (for McMillan 40'), Adam Larkin (for O'Connor 61'), Seamus Mallon (for Cave 61'), Tommy Bowe (for Kettyle 47'). 8 September 2007 Ulster Ireland rugby union 19-23 Report"Ulster edged out by Gloucester", BBC Sport, 8 September 2007 ENG Gloucester O'ConnorCunningham Steinmetz (3) BaileyBuxton WalkerLamb Walker Walker Ravenhill, Belfast L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Tim Barker, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson (c), 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements? Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 15 May 2008 at the La Mon House Hotel outside Belfast. Winners were:Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008 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: Jonny Shiels, Coleraine Academical Institution References 2007-08 Category:2007–08 in Irish rugby union Category:2007–08 Celtic League by team Category:2007–08 Heineken Cup by team