2004–05 Ulster Rugby season

July 2023 July 2023 2004–05 Ulster Rugby season Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Mark McCall Andy Ward David Humphreys (145) Tommy Bowe (9) Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)Celtic League (8th)Celtic Cup (quarter-finalists) 2003–04 2005–06 The 2004–05 season was Ulster Rugby's tenth under professionalism, and their first under head coach Mark McCall. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the Celtic League and the Celtic Cup. Former head coach Alan Solomons and forwards coach Adrian Kennedy left at the end of the previous 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 with Allen Clarke as his assistant."Clarke named assistant coach at Ulster", ESPN, 8 April 2004 Maurice Field replaced Clarke as head of the academy.Gavin Mairs, "Sweet 16 move into Ulster academy", Belfast Telegraph, 12 August 2004 In the Celtic League, they finished eighth. Tommy Bowe was the league's second top try scorer with eight.Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022 In the Heineken Cup, they finished third in Pool 6, failing to qualify for the knockout stage. They went out of the Celtic Cup in the quarter-finals, losing to Neath-Swansea Ospreys. Neil Best was Ulster's Player of the Year. Kieran Campbell won the IRUPA award for Try of the Year."O'Connor takes top award", Evening Herald, 5 May 2005 Squad Senior squad Players in IRE rugby union Rory Best from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins IRE rugby union Gary Brown from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins"An Ulster win is now Brown's business", Belfast Telegraph, 15 October 2004 NZL Campbell Feather from SCO Border Reivers"Feather is surprise choice to lead Ulster", RTÉ Sport, 18 November 2004 IRE rugby union Declan Fitzpatrick from IRE rugby union Belfast Harlequins ENG Andrew Kershaw from ENG Saracens IRE rugby union Kevin Maggs from ENG Bath"Ulster sign Kevin Maggs", Irish Examiner, 3 July 2004 RSA Gavin Pfister from ENG Pertemps Bees"Pfister signs for Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 November 2004 Players out IRE rugby union Clem Boyd (retired)"Clem Boyd To Retire", Irish Rugby, 4 November 2003 RSA Warren Brosnihan (released) AUS Ryan Constable (retired)"Ulster lose Constable", ESPN, 4 February 2004 RSA Robbi Kempson to ENG NorthamptonGavin Mairs, "McCall's French connection", Belfast Telegraph, 22 April 2004 ENG Andrew Kershaw to ENG Leeds Tykes"Kershaw joins Leeds on loan", ESPN, 24 February 2005 IRE rugby union Tony McWhirter (retired)"McWhirter out and Clarke in", Belfast Telegraph, 9 April 2004 NZL Matt Sexton (retired)"Saintly Solomons leaves legacy", BBC Sport, 16 February 2004 Ulster Rugby squad"Profiles - 1st XV", Ulster Rugby, archived 6 March 2005Props AUS Rod Moore (24 apps, 21 starts) IRE rugby union Simon Best (20 apps, 19 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Ronan McCormack (23 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Bryan Young (4 apps) IRE rugby union Declan Fitzpatrick ENG Andrew Kershaw IRE rugby union Simon Shawe Hookers IRE rugby union Paul Shields (23 apps, 19 starts) IRE rugby union Nigel Brady (10 apps, 3 starts) IRE rugby union Rory Best (9 apps, 5 starts) Locks IRE rugby union Matt McCullough (26 apps, 25 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Gary Longwell (21 apps, 19 starts) NZL Rowan Frost* (23 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) NZL Matt Mustchin (7 apps, 4 starts) IRE rugby union Tim Barker (2 apps)Back row IRE rugby union Neil Best (22 apps, 22 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Roger Wilson (22 apps, 20 starts, 5 pts) NZL Campbell Feather (26 apps, 17 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Andy Ward (c) (17 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts) RSA Gavin Pfister (6 apps, 4 starts) IRE rugby union Gary Brown (4 apps, 1 starts) IRE rugby union Neil McMillan (1 apps, 1 starts) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell (24 apps, 21 starts, 5pts) IRE rugby union Neil Doak (14 apps, 6 starts) NZL Reece Spee* (1 app) Fly-halves IRE rugby union David Humphreys (16 apps, 16 starts, 145 pts) IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace (12 apps, 6 starts, 24 pts) AUS Adam Larkin (9 apps, 6 starts, 54 pts)Centres NZL Paul Steinmetz (26 apps, 24 starts, 45 pts) IRE rugby union Kevin Maggs (21 apps, 21 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Jonny Bell (13 apps, 11 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon (3 apps, 1 starts) NZL Shane Stewart Wings IRE rugby union Tommy Bowe (26 apps, 25 starts, 40 pts) IRE rugby union Tyrone Howe (17 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Andy Maxwell (14 apps, 9 starts, 15 pts) IRE rugby union Scott Young (9 apps, 6 starts) IRE rugby union James Topping Fullbacks IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (26 apps, 25 starts, 25 pts) (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.Squad Academy squad Academy squad"Ulster's academy takes off", BBC Sport, 12 August 2004Staff Joe Miles - chairman Allen Clarke - director Maurice Field - manager Roger Kennedy - strength and conditioning Michael Webb - doctor Phil Glasgow - physiotherapristPlayers Glenn Telford Gareth Steenson Gary Maxwell Niall Conlon John Andress Lewis Stevenson Chris Henry Oisin Hennessy Stephen Ferris Stuart McGaw Thomas Horner Glen Moore Mark Scott Jamie McGrugan Blair Clements Paul McKenzie Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 2004-05 Heineken Cup 6 3 0 3 88 139 -51 5 13 2004-05 Celtic League 20 9 0 11 363 387 -24 37 34 2004-05 Celtic Cup 1 0 0 1 16 23 -7 1 2 Total 27 12 0 15 467 549 -82 43 49 2004–05 Heineken Cup 2004–05 Heineken Cup Pool 6 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTBLBPts FRA Stade Français (3)65012091117990893023 ENG Gloucester630314122144128161114 Ireland rugby union Ulster6303513−888139−510113 WAL Cardiff Blues6105813−598152−54037 22 October 2004 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 21 – 16 Report"Ulster 21-16 Blues", BBC Sport, 22 October 2004Match centre WAL Cardiff Blues Humphreys (5) Humphreys (2) Shanklin Thomas Thomas (2) Thomas Ravenhill, Belfast 9,600 Joël Jutge W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Rod Moore (for McCormack), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Roger Wilson (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell. 30 October 2004 15:00 Gloucester ENG 55 – 13 Report"Gloucester 55-13 Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 October 2004Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster MacRaeGoodridgeBezuidenhoutSimpson-DanielGarveyBalding Paul (5) Paul (4) Paul Humphreys Humphreys (1) Humphreys (2) Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester 12,467 Eric Darriere L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Nigel Brady, 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. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Adam Larkin. 4 December 2004 14:00 Stade Français FRA 30 – 10 Report"Stade Francais 30-10 Ulster", BBC Sport, 4 December 2004"Ulster lose set-pieces and momentum", The Irish Times, 6 December 2004Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster BlinSowerbyBergamasco Skrela (3) Skrela (3) Bowe Humphreys Humphreys Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris 11,628 L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields 68), 17. Bryan Young, 18. Gary Longwell (for Frost 40), 19. Tim Barker, 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell 75), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Bell 67). 11 December 2004 13:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 18 – 10 Report"Ulster 18-10 Stade Francais", BBC Sport, 11 December 2004"Humphreys strikes to lift gloom for Ulster", Irish Independent, 12 December 2004Match centre FRA Stade Français CampbellHumphreys Humphreys Humphreys Humphreys Hernández Skrela Skrela Ravenhill, Belfast 7,320 Nigel Williams W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack 80), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 80), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for S. Young 27). 7 January 2005 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 14 – 12 Report"Ulster 14-12 Gloucester", BBC Sport 7 January 2005Robert Kitson, "Gloucester lose their foothold in Belfast bog", The Guardian, 8 January 2005Match centre ENG Gloucester Cunningham Humphreys (3) Paul (3) Amor Ravenhill, Belfast 11,435 Nigel Whitehouse W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best 57), 17. Neil McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 66), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather 62), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paddy Wallace (for Howe 70). 16 January 2005 17:15 Cardiff Blues WAL 16 – 12 Report"Cardiff Blues v Ulster", EPCR, 16 January 2005"Blues 16-12 Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 January 2005Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Vaughton 48'Thomas 71' Macleod (2) 4', 22' Yapp 11 Humphreys (2) 6', 42'Larkin (2) 57', 78' S. Best 11Frost 64 stadium = Cardiff Arms Park 3,962 L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields 56), 17. Rod Moore (for Ward 14-23), 18. Matt Mustchin (for Frost 74), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward 55), 20. Reece Spee (for Campbell 76), 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 50), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 65). 2004-05 Celtic League 2004–05 Celtic League TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATry bonusLosing bonusPts1 WAL Neath-Swansea Ospreys 201613508267 +241 53 27 7 3 762 Ireland rugby union Munster 201514470331 +139 54 33 6 1 693 Ireland rugby union Leinster 201217455350 +105 46 32 4 3 574 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons 201109381436 −55 39 43 4 2 505 WAL Llanelli Scarlets 209011402446 −44 48 42 7 3 466 SCO Glasgow Warriors 208111465466 −1 40 58 4 7 457 SCO Edinburgh 209011409407 +2 47 40 4 4 448 Ireland rugby union Ulster 209011363387 −24 37 34 2 5 439 WAL Cardiff Blues 208111350404 −54 35 41 2 4 4010 Ireland rugby union Connacht 207112317407 −90 32 46 2 5 3711 SCO Borders 203017337556 −219 31 66 2 4 18Under 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/20131122230417/http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/table.php?includeref=11189&season=2004-2005 22 November 2013 4 September 2004 14:30 Edinburgh SCO 16–17 ReportMatch Report, Pro12 Rugby, 4 September 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster Blackadder Paterson Paterson (3) Maxwell Wallace (2) SteinmetzWallace Best Murrayfield, Edinburgh 2,609 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack), 18. Gary Longwell (for Frost), 19. Gary Brown (for Feather), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Seamus Mallon, 22. Scott Young (for Maxwell). 11 September 2004 17:15 Ulster Ireland rugby union 15–26 Report"Leinster End Ulster Home Record", Pro12 Rugby, 11 September 2004 Ireland rugby union Leinster CunninghamMaxwell Wallace Wallace WarnerGissingO'Riordan O'Meara O'MearaMcAllister (2) Dillon Ravenhill, Belfast 6,100 Nigel Williams L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 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. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Matt McCullough (for Frost), 19. Campbell Feather (for Wilson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Seamus Mallon (for Bell), 22. Scott Young (for Cunningham). 18 September 2004 14:30 Connacht Ireland rugby union 13–19 Report"Ulster Return To Winning Ways", Pro12 Rugby, 18 September 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster O'Loughlin Warwick Warwick (2) Mostyn Muldoon BoweBell Humphreys (3) The Sportsground, Galway 1,300 W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormack (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), 19. Campbell Feather (for N. Best), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz. 25 September 2004 17:15 Ulster Ireland rugby union 24–37 Report"Ospreys Sink Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 25 September 2004 WAL Neath-Swansea Ospreys MaggsCunninghamFeather Humphreys (3) Humphreys N. Best WilliamsTiuetiParkerBishop Henson (4) Henson (2) Henson Ravenhill, Belfast 5,638 L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell). 8 October 2004 19:05 Ulster Ireland rugby union 21–28 Report"Dragons Move Up As Ulster Suffer Another Home Defeat", Pro12 Rugby, 8 October 2004 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons McCormackN. Best Humphreys Humphreys (3) MorganBlackBrew Sweeney (2) Sweeney (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 8,145 L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost, 19. Matt Mustchin (for Wilson), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell (for Steinmetz). 16 October 2004 19:15 Glasgow Warriors SCO 34–20 Report"Parks To The Fore As Ulster Fail Again", Pro12 Rugby, 4 November 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster TkachukParks (2)Morrison Parks (4) Parks (2) Petrie BoweHowe Humphreys (2) Humphreys (2) S. Best McCullough Hughenden, Glasgow 3,469 L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Gary Brown, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Rod Moore (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Matt Mustchin (for Brown), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Jonny Bell (for Steinmetz). 6 November 2004 17:15 Ulster Ireland rugby union 3–24 Report"More Ravenhill misery for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 November 2004 Ireland rugby union Munster Larkin PayneLawler Burke Burke (4) Ravenhill, Belfast 6,402 L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormick (for Moore), 18. Gary Longwell, 19. Gary Brown (for Feather), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Seamus Mallon (for Bell), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe). 12 November 2004 19:30 Borders SCO 19–20 Report"Late fight back not enough for Borders", Pro12 Rugby, 12 November 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster Weston Warnock Warnock (3)Hore Blair Brown CunninghamSteinmetz Larkin (2) Larkin (2) Netherdale, Galashiels 1,500 W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Andy Maxwell, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormick, 18. Gary Longwell, 19. Gary Brown (for Ward), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Scott Young, 22. Tommy Bowe (for Howe). 19 November 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 30–14 Report"Ulster back to winning ways at home", Pro12 Rugby, 19 November 2004 WAL Cardiff Blues FeatherMcCulloughMaxwell Larkin (5) Thomas Thomas (3) Jones Ravenhill, Belfast 5,705 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young, 18. Gary Brown, 19. Gavin Pfister (for N. Best), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Seamus Mallon, 22. Andrew Trimble. 28 November 2004 18:00 Llanelli Scarlets WAL 22–9 Report"Scarlets ease the pressure with comfortable win", Pro12 Rugby, 28 November 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster John Bowen Bowen (5) Wyatt Larkin (3) N. Best Stradey Park, Llanelli 5,334 L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack), 18. Roger Wilson (for Longwell), 19. Gavin Pfister, 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Scott Young (for Bell), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell). 17 December 2004 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 36–34 Report"Match report", Pro12 Rugby, 17 December 2004 SCO Edinburgh MaggsBoweSteinmetzFrost Steinmetz (2) Humphreys (3)Steinmetz LeeHoggCallamBoston Laney (4) Laney (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 5,858 W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Simon Best (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Pfister), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Andy Maxwell. 27 December 2004 17:05 Leinster Ireland rugby union 9–8 Report"Contepomi secures the points for Leinster", Pro12 Rugby, 27 December 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster Contepomi (3) O'Driscoll Howe Larkin Howe Frost Donnybrook, Dublin 5,500 Alain Rolland L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Ronan McCormack (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for N. Best), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell. 1 January 2005 16:00 Ulster Ireland rugby union 23–14 Report"Ulster narrow the gap on Connacht", Pro12 Rigby, 1 January 2005 Ireland rugby union Connacht BoweSteinmetz Humphreys (2) Humphreys (3) Jackman Warwick O'Sullivan Ravenhill, Belfast 7,900 David Keane W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Simon Shawe, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell. 21 January 2005 19:05 Neath-Swansea Ospreys WAL 22–21 Report"Henson the hero for Ospreys", Pro12 Rugby, 21 January 2005 Ireland rugby union Ulster Henson Henson Henson (5) BoweMaxwell Humphreys Humphreys (3) St Helen's, Swansea 4,142 L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Simon Shawe, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Shane Stewart. 18 February 2005 19:05 Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 13–11 Report"Montgomery penalty sees Dragons scrape win over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 18 February 2005 Ireland rugby union Ulster Forster Warlow Montgomery Cunningham Humphreys Humphreys McCullough Rodney Parade, Newport 4,452 Andy Ireland L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Ronan McCormick (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Gavin Pfister (for Feather), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Scott Young. 4 March 2005 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 30–3 Report"Second half surge sees Ulster home", Pro12 Rugby, 4 March 2005 SCO Glasgow Warriors MaggsBoweHoweS. Best LarkinWallace Larkin (2) Prescott Ravenhill, Belfast 6,215 Nigel Owens W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Tim Barker (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace (for Larkin), 22. Scott Young. 18 March 2005 19:00 Munster Ireland rugby union 21–15 Report"Munster keep title hopes alive", Pro12 Rugby, 18 March 2005 Ireland rugby union Ulster D. WallaceKelly Burke Burke (3) BoweWilson P. Wallace P. Wallace Longwell Musgrave Park, Cork 5,870 Andy Ireland L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Tommy Bowe. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for Moore), 18. Tim Barker, 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Shane Stewart. 25 March 2005 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 17–13 Report"Ulster see off battling Borders", Pro12 Rugby, 25 March 2005 SCO Borders WardFeather Steinmetz (2) Humphreys Cusiter Hore Hore Warnock Cusiter Douglas Ravenhill, Belfast 7,017 Phil Fear W Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Tim Barker (for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather (for N. Best), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe). 8 April 2005 19:10 Cardiff Blues WAL 22–8 Report"Blues miss out on vital bonus point", Pro12 Rugby, 8 April 2005 Ireland rugby union Ulster ShanklinQuinnellSowden-Taylor Macleod (2) Macleod Bowe Wallace Cardiff Arms Park 5,600 David Changleng L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rowan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Andy Maxwell (for S. Young). 15 April 2005 19:05 Ulster Ireland rugby union 16–3 Report"Ulster keep Cup hopes alive", Pro12 Rugby, 15 April 2005 WAL Llanelli Scarlets Steinmetz Steinmetz Steinmetz (3) Bowen Davies Ravenhill, Belfast 7,948 Andy Ireland W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rowan McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather (for Pfister), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Andy Maxwell (for S. Young). Celtic Cup Celtic Cup (rugby union) Quarter-final 22 April 2005 Neath-Swansea Ospreys Wales 23-16 Report"Ospreys 23-16 Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 April 2005"Celtic Cup: Ulster Effort Not Enough In Swansea", Irish Rugby, 1 May 2005 Ireland rugby union Ulster TerblancheJones Jones (2) Jones (3) Cockbain Penalty try Humphreys Humphreys (2) Moore St Helen's, Swansea 8,273 Andrew Ireland L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields 73), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore, 67), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 49), 19. Campbell Feather (for Pfister 56), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell 66), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 60), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe 52). Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance2004–05 Celtic League106,6938,1455,6382004–05 Heineken Cup39,452 11,4357,32095,2837,330 Friendlies 13 August 2004 Rotherham Titans Wales C-C ReportGavin Mairs, "How Ulster were left high and dry by Rotherlam face", Belfast Telegraph, 14 August 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield 20 August 2004 Ulster Rugby IRE rugby union 19-26 ReportGavin Mairs, "Ulster boys not quite ready for big league", Belfast Telegraph, 21 August 2004 ENG Harlequins N. BestMaxwellWard Wallace (2) JonesSo'oialoReaySherriff Dunne (2)Staunton Ravenhill, Belfast 6,100 Alain Rolland L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan (c), 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Tommy Bowe (for Topping 40'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 46'), Matt McCullough (for Mutstchin 46'), Jonny Bell (for Stewart 47'), Andy Ward (for Feather 47'), Neil Doak (for Campbell 52'), Nigel Brady (for Shields 59'), Simon Shawe (for Moore 63'), Seamus Mallon (for Larkin 63'). 28 August 2004 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 30-7 ReportSteven Neill, "Ulster roasted by Dragons", Sunday Life, 29 August 2004 Ireland rugby union Ulster BlackBryantAnthonyWinn Sweeney (2) Sweeney (2) Maxwell Wallace Rodney Parade, Newport L Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Andy Maxwell (for Topping 38'), Nigel Brady (for Shields 44'), Tim Barker (for Mustchin 44'), Paul Steinmetz (for Stewart 50'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 55'), Simon Shawe (for Moore 55'), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 59'), Seamus Mallon (for Bell 65'), Gary Brown (for Feather 65'). Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 12 May 2005. Winners were:Gavin Mairs, "Bowe bags the top Ulster rugby gong", Belfast Telegraph, 13 May 2005 Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Neil Best Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Tommy Bowe Club Ulster Supporters Player of the Year: Kieran Campbell Kukri Schools Player of the Year: David Pollock, Royal School Dungannon First Trust Bank Club of the Year: Ballymena RFC Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: Nigel Newell, Ballynahinch RFC Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Brian Reid, Coleraine RFC Northern Bank Coach of the Year: Gerald McCarter, City of Derry R.F.C., Ulster U21s Downtown Radio Club/PRO Media Liaison Officer of the Year: Joan Beatty, Enniskillen Belfast Telegraph Club Team of the Year: Ballymena RFC 2nd XV The Botanic Inns Merit Award: Suzanne Flemming References Category:Ulster Rugby seasons Ulster Ulster Ulster