2000–01 Ulster Rugby season

Professional provincial Rugby Union playing season October 2023 October 2023 2000–01 Ulster Rugby season Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Harry Williams David Humphreys Justin Fitzpatrick, Gary Longwell, Andy Ward, Tony McWhirter, Brad Free, David Humphreys, Ryan Constable, James Topping (12 each) David Humphreys (148) James Topping (6) Heineken Cup (4th in pool)IRFU Interprovincial Championship (2nd) 1999–2000 2001–02 The 2000–01 season was Ulster Rugby's sixth since the advent of professionalism, and their third under coach Harry Williams. They competed in the Heineken Cup and the IRFU Interprovincial Championship. Williams announced in August 2000 that he would leave at the end of the season."Williams to quit as Ulster coach", BBC Sport, 31 August 2000 The IRFU rejected a proposal for a Celtic League involving three of the Irish provinces, two Scottish super-districts and seven Welsh clubs, each playing 22 matches. The IRFU argued that the structure proposed would add too many games and leave provincial players unable to play for their clubs, and made a counter-proposal of an eleven-game season, which the Welsh and Scottish unions rejected.Tony Ward, "IRFU says no to plans for new Celtic League", Irish Independent, 14 March 2000 Discussions continued,Kieran Rooney, "Celtic League looming large in rugby horizon", Irish Independent, 18 August 2000 and a format was finally agreed for the following season."Celtic League gets green light to kick off in August", Evening Herald, 31 May 2001 They were bottom of their pool in the Heineken Cup, failing to qualify for the knockout stage. They finished second in the Interprovincial Championship, qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup. The average crowd at Interprovincial matches was 7,000, comparing favourably to 3,000 in the English first division.Barry Coughlan, "Doubts remain about benefits of Celtic League", Irish Examiner, 4 October 2000 Tyrone Howe was Ulster's Player of the Year, and was selected for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. Player transfers Players in IRE rugby union Clem Boyd from ENG Bath"Prop Boyd forced to retire", BBC Sport, 4 November 2003 IRE rugby union John Campbell from IRE rugby union TerenureJim Stokes, "Campbell signed up to replace Veitayaka [sic]", Belfast Telegraph, 10 May 2000 AUS Ryan Constable from ENG SaracensGavin Mairs, "Retiring Ulster ace gets a big vote of thanks", Belfast Telegraph, 4 July 2008 AUS Brad Free from IRE rugby union Bective Rangers"The joy of being free of injury", Irish Times, 26 October 2000"Brad Free to play for Ireland", Irish Independent, 29 October 1997 RSA Grant Henderson from RSA NatalRichard Bullick, "Ulster sign Springboks", News Letter, 23 June 2000 RSA Russell Nelson from RSA Blue BullsJonathan McConnell, "Ulster recruit South Africans", ESPN Scrum, 23 June 2000 NZL Shane Stewart from IRE rugby union Ballymena Players out IRE rugby union Simon Mason to FRA Stade FrancaisGavin Mortimer, "The ten biggest flops in the Top 14", Rugby World, 18 December 2013 IRE rugby union Eric Miller to IRE rugby union Leinster ENG Spencer Bromley to ENG Worcester RSA Riaz Fredericks (released) Fiji Joeli Veitayaki (released) Squad Ulster Rugby squadProps IRE rugby union Simon Best IRE rugby union Clem Boyd IRE rugby union John Campbell IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick Hookers IRE rugby union Allen Clarke IRE rugby union Paul Shields IRE rugby union Richard Weir AUS Mark Crick Locks IRE rugby union Mark Blair IRE rugby union Paddy Johns IRE rugby union Aidan Kearney IRE rugby union Gary LongwellBack row IRE rugby union Chris McCarey IRE rugby union Tony McWhirter RSA Russell Nelson* IRE rugby union Dion O'Cuinneagain IRE rugby union Derek Topping IRE rugby union Andy Ward Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Stephen Bell IRE rugby union Neil Doak AUS Brad Free* Fly-halves IRE rugby union David Humphreys (c) IRE rugby union Niall MaloneCentres IRE rugby union Jonny Bell IRE rugby union Tyrone Howe IRE rugby union Seamus Mallon NZL Shane Stewart Wings AUS Ryan Constable IRE rugby union Sheldon Coulter IRE rugby union Jan Cunningham IRE rugby union Tyrone Howe IRE rugby union James Topping Fullbacks RSA Grant Henderson IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.Squad Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 2000-01 Heineken Cup 6 1 1 4 146 201 -59 11 21 IRFU Interprovincial Championship 6 3 0 3 144 119 25 15 9 Total 12 4 1 7 290 320 -30 24 30 2000–01 Heineken Cup 2000–01 Heineken Cup TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffPtsWAL Cardiff640218135182146368ENG Saracens 640214131174140348FRA Toulouse621319154171182−115Ireland rugby union Ulster61141121−10146205−593 6 October 2000 19:15 Ulster IRE rugby union 32 – 23 ReportJim Stokes, "Rugby: Super Ulster right back in business", Belfast Telegraph, 5 July 2008Match centre WAL Cardiff ConstableHowe Humphreys (2) Humphreys (5) Humphreys JenkinsMorgan Jenkins (2) Jenkins (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Derek Topping (for Nelson, 20), Mark Blair (for Johns, 61), Clem Boyd (for Best, 65). 15 October 2000 15:00 Saracens ENG 55 – 25 ReportIan Malin, "Gallic genius triggers Luger", The Guardian, 16 October 2000"Saracens too strong for Ulster", BBC Sport, 15 October 2000Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Hill (2)McRaeLuger (3) Castaignède (5) Castaignède (5) Stewart Humphreys Humphreys (6) Vicarage Road, Watford 11,258 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Derek Topping, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Mark Blair (for Johns, 40), Chris McCarey (for D. Topping, 68), Sheldon Coulter (for Stewart, 79). 22 October 2000 15:00 Toulouse FRA 35 – 35 Report"Ulster earn remarkable draw", BBC Sport, 22 October 2000Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster PelousLabitFillolDesbrosse Marfaing (3) Marfaing (3) FreeHoweJ. BellJ. Topping Humphreys (3) Humphreys (3) Stadium Municipal, Toulouse 14,000 D Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Ryan Constable, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Shane Stewart (for Constable, 40), Clem Boyd (for Best, 40), Paul Shields (for Weir, 72). 27 October 2000 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 25 – 29 Report"Ulster see victory snatched by Toulouse", BBC Sport, 27 October 2000Match centre FRA Toulouse Ward Humphreys Humphreys (6) DesbrosseServat DelaigueMarfaing Delaigue (5) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,000 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Derek Topping (for Russell, 16). 12 January 2001 19:05 Cardiff WAL 42 – 16 Report "RUGBY UNION: POOR ULSTER KEPT AT AN ARMS LENGTH; Cardiff 42 Ulster 16: Champions of 1999 are European flops in Cardiff.." The Free Library. 2001 MGN LTD 26 Feb. 2022Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Robinson (2)JenkinsQuinnell Jenkins (2) Jenkins (5) Jenkins J. Topping (2) Humphreys (2) Cardiff Arms Park 10,500 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Stan McDowell. 19 January 2001 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 13 – 21 ReportJim Stokes, "Plenty of heart but it's a Sarri send-off", Belfast Telegraph, 20 January 2001Match centre ENG Saracens Humphreys Humphreys Humphreys (2) ShanklinMcRaeHill McRae (3) Ravenhill, Belfast 13,500 L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Paddy Johns, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Ryan Constable, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Stan McDowell. Replacements: Niall Malone (for J. Bell, 47), Richard Weir (for Clarke, 48), Stephen Bell (for Free, 48), Mark Blair (for Longwell, 58), Clem Boyd (for Best, 60), Sheldon Coulter (for McDowell, 80). 2000-01 IRFU Interprovincial Championship IRFU Interprovincial Championship Team P W D L F A BP Pts Statusleft Munster651015199123Champions; qualified for 2001–02 Heineken Cupleft Ulster6303144119315Qualified for 2001–02 Heineken Cupleft Leinster6213109111212Qualified for 2001–02 Heineken Cupleft Connacht610510017515 Qualified for 2001–02 European Challenge Cup 1 September 2000 Ulster Ulster 16-21 ReportJim Stokes, "O'Gara steals the show", Belfast Telegraph, 2 September 2000 Munster Munster Ward Humphreys Humphreys (3) O'Gara (5) O'Gara (2) Ravenhill, Belfast L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Paddy Johns, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. 9 September 2000 Connacht Connacht 15-39 ReportKieran Rooney, "Ulster leave Connacht stranded", Sunday Independent, 10 September 2000 Ulster Ulster LeeElwood Elwood Elwood NelsonJohnsJ. BellJ. ToppingStewart Humphreys (4) Humphreys (3) The Sportsground, Galway W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Mark Blair (for Longwell, 60), Shane Stewart (for Henderson, 63), Stephen Bell (for Free, 71), Derek Topping (for Ward, 74) 15 September 2000 Leinster Leinster 19-6 Report"Ace predator Hickie strikes for Leinster", Irish Independent, 16 September 2000 Ulster Ulster Hickie McHugh McHugh (2)Dempsey Humphreys (2) Donnybrook, Dublin L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 40), Shane Stewart (for Henderson, 67), Stephen Bell (for Free, 75). 22 September 2000 Ulster Ulster 26-13 ReportTony Ward, "Humphreys leads Ulster to victory", Irish Independent, 23 September 2000 Leinster Leinster J. BellWard Humphreys (2) Humphreys (4) McHugh McHugh O'Driscoll Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Derek Topping (for Nelson, 59), Stephen Bell (for Free, 63), Shane Stewart (for J. Topping, 77). 29 September 2000 Munster Munster 29-21 ReportBarry Coughlan, "Munster dig deep for great victory", Irish Examiner, 30 September 2000 Ulster Ulster CrottyHorgan O'Gara (2) O'Gara (5) FreeJ. Topping Humphreys Humphreys (3) Thomond Park, Limerick L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Shane Stewart, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 64), Mark Blair (for Johns, 71), Clem Boyd (for Best, 71), Stephen Bell (for Free, 76). 3 November 2000 Ulster Ulster 36-22 ReportJim Stokes, "Classy Ulster sink brave Connacht", Irish Independent, 4 November 2000 Connacht Connacht J. ToppingBlair (2)HumphreysWard Humphreys (4) Humphreys O'ConnorMunnSchoemann Munn (2) Munn Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Sheldon Coulter, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Simon Best (for Boyd, 32), Paddy Johns (for Longwell, 40), Paul Shields (for Weir, 50), Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 62), Neil Doak (for Free, 67). Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance––––– 2000–01 Heineken Cup312,500 13,50012,00037,50012,500 Friendlies 5 August 2000 Ulster IRE rugby union 31-12 ReportRichard Buckley, "Ulster on the Maul", Sunday Life, 6 August 2000 ENG Leicester Tigers ToppingMaloneCoulterMcWhirterB. Cunningham Malone (2)Humphreys HowardReeves Meenan Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, Omagh Gareth Doyle W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Simon Best, Richie Weir, John Campbell, Aidan Kearney, Chris McCarey, Derek Topping, Stephen Bell, Niall Malone, Sheldon Coulter, Seamus Mallon, Bryn Cunningham. 11 August 2000 Coventry ENG 0-64 Report"Coventry find Ulster in try-scoring mood", Belfast Telegraph. 12 August 2000 IRE rugby union Ulster McWhirterStewartTopping (3)Penalty tryHumphreysCoulterHowe Humphreys (7) Coundon Road Stadium, Coventry M. Fox W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Sheldon Coulter, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Justin Fitzpatrick (for Best, 45'), Niall Malone (for Cunningham, 56'), Richie Weir (for Clarke, 60'), John Campbell (for Boyd, 67'), Seamus Mallon (for Humphreys, 70'), Derek Topping (for Nelson, 70'). 18 August 2000 Ulster IRE rugby union 37-11 Report SCO Edinburgh Reivers Free (2)Stewart (2)NelsonTopping Humphreys (2) Humphreys Tom Weir Duncan Hodge (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 6,000 M. Fox W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Russell Nelson, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: Richie Weir (for Clarke, 8'), Derek Topping (for Ward, 8-19', for McWhirter, 48'), Paddy Johns (for Blair, 24-36'), Simon Best (for Fitzpatrick, 69'), Sheldon Coulter (for Howe, 78') 25 August 2000 Ulster IRE rugby union 35-0 ReportRichard Bullick, "Ulster 'blitz' sinks minnows", News Letter, 26 August 2000 ENG Rugby Lions MaloneSheldon CoulterWeirJ. CunninghamHowe Malone (4)Humphreys Ravenhill, Belfast D. Napier W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Richard Weir, 3. John Campbell, 4. Paddy Johns (c), 5. Mark Blair, 6. Chris McCarey, 7. Derek Topping, 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Brad Free, 10. Niall Malone, 11. Sheldon Coulter, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Grant Henderson. Replacements: James Topping (for J. Cunningham 50'), David Humphreys (for Malone 50'), Clem Boyd (for Campbell 50'), Gary Longwell (for Blair 50'), Andy Ward (for McCarey 50'), Ryan Constable (for J Bell 58'), Tyrone Howe (for Coulter 58'), Justin Fitzpatrick (for Best 58'), Stephen Bell (for Free 67'), Paul Shields (for Weir 72') Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 24 May 2001. Winners were:"Honours for Howe and Longwell", BBC Sport, 25 May 2001 Ulster Rugby player of the year: Tyrone Howe Supporters' Club player of the year: Tyrone Howe Guinness personality of the year: Gary Longwell Coach of the year: Willie Anderson, Dungannon RFC Schools player of the year: Glen Telford, RBAI Youth player of the year: Wayne Dougan, Banbridge RFC Club of the year: Clogher Valley RFC PRO Award: Terry Jackson, Dungannon RFC Dorrington B Faulkner Memorial Award: Roy McGarvey, Coleraine References 2000-01 Category:2000–01 in Irish rugby union Category:2000–01 Heineken Cup