1998–99 Ulster Rugby season

Professional provincial Rugby Union playing season October 2023 October 2023 1998–99 Ulster Rugby season Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Harry Williams Mark McCall, David Humphreys, Dean Macartney Gary Longwell, Justin Fitzpatrick, David Humphreys, Simon Mason, Gary Leslie (15 each) Simon Mason (213) Stephen McKinty, Jan Cunningham, Andy Ward (5 each) Heineken Cup (champions)IRFU Interprovincial Championship (2nd of 4) _red_hoops _collar _red_hoops _hoops_white FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FF0000 _white_hoops _whitecollarplain _white_hoops _hoops_white FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FFFFFF FF0000 1997–98 1999–2000 In Ulster Rugby's fourth season since the advent of professionalism, they were champions of the Heineken Cup, and finished second in the IRFU Interprovincial Championship. Harry Williams was appointed as Director of Rugby, signing a three-year full time contract, starting on 1 July when he resigned as principal of Holywood Primary School. A former prop for Malone and Bangor, Williams had coached Bangor to Ulster League and Cup titles in the 1980s. He was Ulster's coach for four years from 1987, and had led them to four unbeaten seasons in the Interprovincial Championship. He was part of the Irish development squad coaching team for their tour of New Zealand in 1993, and was Ireland A coach for three years. Most recently, he was coach of Dublin side Bective Rangers for 18 months, before resigning for family reasons at the end of 1998.Jim Stokes, "Williams takes charge", Belfast Telegraph, 4 February 1998 Former Ireland fullback Colin Wilkinson was assistant coach, and Harry Brennan was strength and conditioning coach.Jonathan Bradley, The Last Amateurs: The Incredible Story of Ulster Rugby's 1999 European Champions, The Blackstaff Press, 201841 Warren Gatland, the new Ireland coach, led a drive by the IRFU to bring Irish players who had signed contracts with English clubs back to Ireland. Ulster were strengthened by the return of out-half David Humphreys and centre Mark McCall from London Irish, centre Jonny Bell and hooker Allen Clarke from Northampton, and lock Mark Blair from Edinburgh, but locks Paddy Johns and Jeremy Davidson rejected the IRFU approach, Johns staying at Saracens, Davidson moving from London Irish to Castres.16–22, 81–82 Two English-born Irish internationals were also signed: fullback Simon Mason from Richmond, and prop Justin Fitzpatrick from London Irish.Bruce McKendry, Champions: The Players' Story, IRFU, 199946, 70 The IRFU announced that the Irish provinces would have squads of 30 players, most of whom would be full-time professionals, for the coming season.Brendan Fanning, "Celtic Cup is Irish sides' best chance of success", Sunday Independent, 1 March 1998 The IRFU Ulster Branch signed 19 full-time players for the 1998–99 season, including Jonny Bell, Justin Fitzpatrick, Allen Clarke, David Humphreys, Simon Mason,Bruce McKendry, Champions: The Players' Story, IRFU Ulster Branch, 1999p. 34–35 Maurice Field, Denis McBride, Stephen Ritchie, James Topping and Gary Longwell, while younger players like Robin Morrow and Sheldon Coulter were signed to part-time contracts.Patrick McCarry, The New Breed: Irish Rugby's Professional Era, Mercier Press, 2015p. 67 Mark McCall was named as captain, but sustained a career-ending injury in a friendly against Glasgow on 28 September.55–56 Ulster's Heineken Cup campaign started with a draw against Edinburgh, followed by a heavy defeat away to Toulouse. When the players reacted with relief that the scoreline was not as extreme as the 108–16 defeat Toulouse had recently inflicted on Ebbw Vale, Williams was furious.67–71 Training was revamped: where previously the team had trained in the early mornings and evenings to accommodate part-time players, daytime sessions were introduced for full-time professionals, with one evening session a week for the part-timers.78–79 Ulster defeated Ebbw Vale, and then Toulouse at home, in front of Ravenhill's biggest crowd for several years,88–90 and were unbeaten for the remainder of the pool stage. With Ebbw Vale beating Toulouse 19–11 at home in their final game, Ulster topped the pool with an away win over Edinburgh.98–107 They drew Toulouse at home in the quarter-finals. In the second half, with Ulster narrowly in the lead, flanker Andy Ward received word that his wife had gone into labour, and left the field, replaced by Derek Topping. Toulouse almost took the lead, if not for a late try-saving tackle on Michel Marfaing by David Humphreys, who injured his shoulder in the process. Bryn Cunningham replaced him, and Ulster held on to win.115–126 This was followed by a home semi-final against Stade Francais, with Ravenhill's capacity increased to 20,000 with temporary stands.68 It featured a memorable try from Humphreys – from his own 22, he chipped the ball forward to Sheldon Coulter, who passed it back to Humphreys to run it in from the halfway line – as well as five penalties, a conversion and a drop goal from Simon Mason, in a 33–27 victory.137–146 In the final, held at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Ulster defeated Colomiers 21–6 to become the first Irish side to lift the Heineken Cup.Jonathan Bradley, "Counting down Ulster's 10 most memorable European games as they prepare to hit 150 against Clermont", Belfast Telegraph, 21 November 2019 Jonny Bell, Jeremy Davidson, Justin Fitzpatrick, David Humphreys, Eric Miller and Andy Ward were selected in the Ireland squad for the 1999 Five Nations Championship. Bell, Humphreys, Davidson, Fitzpatrick and Ward were selected for the 1999 tour to Australia.October 2023 Squad Ulster Rugby squadProps IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick IRE rugby union Gary Leslie IRE rugby union Rab Irwin IRE rugby union Andrew Jackson Hookers IRE rugby union Allen Clarke IRE rugby union Richard Weir Locks IRE rugby union Gary Longwell IRE rugby union Murtagh Rea IRE rugby union Mark Blair IRE rugby union Michael LightbodyBack row IRE rugby union Stephen McKinty IRE rugby union Andy Ward IRE rugby union Tony McWhirter IRE rugby union Dean Macartney IRE rugby union Stuart Duncan IRE rugby union Derek Topping IRE rugby union Eric Miller IRE rugby union Kevin McKee IRE rugby union Chris McCarey Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Stephen Bell IRE rugby union Andrew Matchett Fly-halves IRE rugby union David Humphreys IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham IRE rugby union Michael NiblockCentres RSA Clinton van Rensburg IRE rugby union Jonny Bell IRE rugby union Stan McDowell IRE rugby union Mark McCall IRE rugby union Gareth McCullough Wings IRE rugby union Jan Cunningham IRE rugby union James Topping IRE rugby union Sheldon Coulter IRE rugby union Andy Park IRE rugby union Jonathan Davis IRE rugby union Neil McCluskey Fullbacks IRE rugby union Simon Mason IRE rugby union Robin Morrow (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality. Small text denotes players who only appeared in friendlies. Squad Season record Competition Played Won Drawn Lost PF PA PD TF TA 1998-99 Heineken Cup 9 7 1 1 266 214 52 22 7 IRFU Interprovincial Championship 6 3 0 3 137 119 18 14 14 Representative 3 2 0 1 116 77 89 14 12 Total 18 12 1 5 519 410 109 50 33 1998–99 Heineken Cup 1998–99 Heineken Cup Pool 3 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffPtsIRE rugby union Ulster641123203197168299FRA Toulouse 64023111202341031318SCO Edinburgh Reivers621321147179146335WAL Ebbw Vale 61051141−30114307−1932 18 September 1998 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 38 – 38 ReportJim Stokes, "Ulster drop vital point in dramatic opening tie", Belfast Telegraph, 19 September 1998Match centre SCO Edinburgh MasonMcKintyJ. Cunningham (2) Mason (3) Mason (4) MayerRoxburghMurray (2) Hodge (3) Hodge (3) Hodge Ravenhill, Belfast 9,000 D Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Murtagh Rea, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Stuart Duncan, (for Ward, 40), Andrew Matchett (for S. Bell, 60), Richard Weir (for Clarke, 62). 26 September 1998 17:00 Toulouse FRA 39 – 3 ReportRichard Stevenson, "Second best all round", Sunday Life, 27 September 1998"Chance to remember a lost time", Irish Times, 20 October 2000Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Ntamack (2)DesbrosseMarfaingLaput DelaigueOugier (2) OugierDelaigue Mason Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse 5,000 D. Bevan L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Murtagh Rea, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Dean Macartney, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Stan McDowell (for Cunningham, 43), Stuart Duncan (for McWhirter, 55), Rab Irwin (for Leslie, 63), Stephen Bell (for Van Rensburg, 72), Mark Blair (for Rea, 76). 10 October 1998 14:30 Ebbw Vale WAL 28 – 61 Report"Flawless Mason inspires Ulster", Sunday Life, 11 October 1998"Rugby Union: Ulster's forwards lay foundations for success", The Independent, 12 October 1998Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Penalty tryManleyTaumalolo Hayward (2) Hayward (2) J. BellHumphreys (2)S. BellBlairMcKintyPark Mason (7) Mason (4) Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale 2,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Andy Park (for J. Bell, 40), Andrew Matchett (for S. Bell, 43), Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 65), Stuart Duncan (for Ward, 75). 16 October 1998 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 29 – 24 ReportJim Stokes, "Salute brave hearts of Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 17 October 1998Match centre FRA Toulouse MasonMcKintyVan Rensburg Mason Mason (4) MarfaingCazalbou (2) Ougier (2)Delaigue Ravenhill, Belfast 10,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 60). 30 October 1998 19:30 Ulster IRE rugby union 43 – 18 ReportJim Stokes, "A victory romp but no rhythm", Belfast Telegraph, 31 October 1998Gerry Thornley, "Ward Drives Ulster On", The Irish Times, 31 October 1998Match centre WAL Ebbw Vale J. CunninghamMcWhirterIrwinMasonS. BellWardMatchett Mason (4) OlsenFaletau StrangeGreene Ravenhill, Belfast 4,500 F. Maciello W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 50), Andrew Matchett (for S. Bell, 62), Andy Park (for Mason, 74), Stuart Duncan (for McWhirter, 77). 8 November 1998 15:00 Edinburgh SCO 21 – 23 ReportJim Stokes, "Sheldon 'n dusted: Coulter drives Ulster into Euro quarters", Belfast Telegraph, 9 November 1998Match centreHighlights IRE rugby union Ulster StangerMurray Chalmers Chalmers (3) BlairCoulter Mason (2) Mason (3) Myreside, Edinburghhttp://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/easter_road_put_in_the_frame_as_new_home_for_gunners_1_1022561 Easter Road put in the frame as new home for Gunners Edinburgh Evening News Johnston Press 3 November 2006 30 October 2011 4,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Richard Weir (for Clarke, 23), Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 51), Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 56). Quarter-final 11 December 1998 19:15 Ulster IRE rugby union 15 – 13 ReportJim Stokes, "Oh la, la, magical Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 12 December 1998Match centre FRA Toulouse Mason (3) Humphreys (2) Pelous Ougier Delaigue (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 11,500 B. Campbell W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Stan McDowell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Andy Park (for McDowell, 10), Derek Topping (for Ward, 48), Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 54), Richard Weir (for Clarke, 64), Bryn Cunningham (for Humphreys, 78) Semi-final 9 January 1999 13:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 33–27 ReportBrendan Fanning, "Euro dream lives on", Sunday Independent, 10 January 1999Chris Hewett, "Rugby Union: Ulster revel in magic of Europe", The Independent, 11 January 1999Match centreHighlights FRA Stade Français McKintyHumphreys Mason Mason (5) Mason, Humphreys Juillet (2)Lièvremont Dominguez (3) Dominguez (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 20,000 J. Fleming W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Andy Park, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Jan Cunningham, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 54), Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 33). Final 1999 Heineken Cup Final 30 January 1999 14:45 Ulster IRE rugby union 21–6 ReportMatch centrefull match on video FRA Colomiers Mason (6) Humphreys LabitCarre Lansdowne Road, Dublin 49,000 Clayton Thomas (Wales) W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Andy Park, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Jan Cunningham, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Stan McDowell (for Cunningham, 44), Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 73), Derek Topping (for McWhirter, 75). 1998–99 IRFU Interprovincial Championship IRFU Interprovincial Championship Team P W D LFA BPPts StatusMunster Munster 6 4 0 2 125 92 2 18 Champions; qualified for 1999–2000 Heineken CupUlster Ulster 6 3 0 3 137 119 3 15 Qualified for 1999–2000 Heineken CupLeinster Leinster 6 3 0 3 135 136 2 14 Qualified for 1999–2000 Heineken CupConnacht Connacht 6 2 0 4 95 145 3 11 Qualified for 1999–2000 European Challenge Cup Top three teams qualify for next season's Heineken Cup. 14 August 1998 Leinster Leinster 14-34 ReportMicheal McGeary, "Ulster off to a flier", Sunday Life, 16 August 1998 Ulster Ulster HorganNowlan McGowan (2) Ward (2)McWhirterMcDowell Mason (4) Mason (2) Donnybrook, Dublin W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Murtagh Rea, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Park, 12. Mark McCall (c), 13. Stan McDowell, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Simon Mason. 22 August 1998 Connacht Connacht 21-18 Report"Duignan does it for the West", Sunday World, 23 August 1998Micheal McGeary, "Chastened Shadows", Sunday Life, 23 August 1998 Ulster Ulster Duignan (2)Murphy Elwood (3) J. CunninghamWard Mason Mason (2) The Sportsground, Galway L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Murtagh Rea, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Park, 12. Mark McCall (c), 13. Stan McDowell, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Simon Mason. 4 September 1998 Ulster Ulster 29-12 ReportKieran Rooney, "Ward leads Ulster to top", Irish Independent, 5 September 1998 Munster Munster J. CunninghamRea Mason (2) Mason (5) Keane (4) Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Murtagh Rea, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Dean Macartney (c), 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Park, 12. Jan Cunningham, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Jonathan Davis, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Stuart Duncan (for Macartney, 63), Rab Irwin (for Fitzpatrick, 79). 11 September 1998 Ulster Ulster 11-35 ReportJim Stokes, "Ulster take a pasting", Belfast Telegraph, 12 September 1998 Leinster Leinster Rea Mason (2) Nowlan (2)HegartyHoldenHickie McGowan (2) McGowan (2) Ravenhill, Belfast L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Murtagh Rea, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Dean Macartney (c), 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Park, 12. Jan Cunningham, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Jonathan Davis, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Bryn Cunningham (for Humphreys, 20), Stephen McKinty (for Macartney, 46), Sheldon Coulter (for Davis 52), Rab Irwin (for Fitzpatrick, 63), Stuart Duncan (for McWhirter, 73), Stephen Bell (for Matchett, 74) 3 October 1998 Munster Munster 31-9 ReportBarry Roche, "Munster pack most powerful of punches", Sunday Tribune, 4 October 1998 Ulster Ulster LaceyHorganFoleyGalwey Lynch Lynch (3) Mason (2) Humphreys Musgrave Park, Cork L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Murtagh Rea, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Dean Macartney (c), 7. Andy Ward, 8. Stephen McKinty, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Stan McDowell, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Simon Mason. 23 October 1998 Ulster Ulster 36-6 ReportJim Stokes, "Bell and Ward in top gear", Belfast Telegraph, 24 October 1998 Connacht Connacht WardMcKintyToppingClarkeMason Mason (4) Mason Allnutt (2) Ravenhill, Belfast David McHugh W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Eric Miller, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys (c), 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Clinton van Rensburg, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Gary Leslie (for Irwin, 53), Tony McWhirter (for McKinty, 61), Richard Weir (for Clarke, 71), Sheldon Coulter (for J. Cunningham, 80). Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance––––– 1998–99 Heineken Cup511,000 20,0004,50055,00011,000 Representative matches 6 June 1998 Spanish Barbarians Spain 57-34 Report"No pain but gain for Coulter class", Belfast Telegraph, 8 June 1998["Ulster swelter in Spanish sun", Sunday Life, 7 June 1998 IRE rugby union Ulster TaofifénuaLagouarde (2)BujaldonBidabeEcheverriaGallasteguiAurrekoetxeaEtchetbarne Etcheto (3)Bidabe (3) McCulloughMcKeeMcCareyCoulter McCullough (4) Park (2) Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian Inaki Atorrasagasti L Ulster lineup: 1. Richard Mackey, 2. Richard Weir, 3. Rab Irwin, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Murtagh Rea, 6. Stuart Duncan, 7. Kevin McKee, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. Michael Niblock, 11. Neil McCluskey, 12. Stan McDowell, 13. Sheldon Coulter, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Andy Park. Replacements: Gareth McCullough (for McDowell, 40), Stephen Bell (for Matchett, 61), Robin Morrow (for McCluskey, 61), Andrew Jackson (for Mackey, 53), Michael Lightbody (for Rea, 59), Stephen Ritchie (for Weir, 46), Chris McCarey (for Duncan, 61). 10 August 1998 Ulster IRE rugby union 50-5 ReportJim Stokes, "McWhirter points way", Belfast Telegraph, 11 August 1998 Morocco Morocco J. Cunningham (2)Mark McCallMcDowell, S.Bell, Park, Humphreys (2) Mason (5) Amina Ravenhill, Belfast David McHugh W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Murtagh Rea, 6. Stephen McKinty, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Stephen Bell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Park, 12. Mark McCall (c), 13. Stan McDowell, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Andrew Matchett (for Bell, 40), Rab Irwin (for Leslie, 58), Dean Macartney (for Longwell, 58), Stuart Duncan (for Ward, 60), Sheldon Coulter (for McDowell, 69), Richard Weir (for Clarke, 73), Bryn Cunningham (for Humphreys, 79). 28 August 1998 Ulster IRE rugby union 32-15 ReportJim Stokes, "Matchett stakes claim for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 29 August 1998 SCO Glasgow District McWhirterMatchett Mason (2) Mason (5) Humphreys SimmersStott Paterson Paterson Ravenhill, Belfast David McHugh W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Allen Clarke, 3. Gary Leslie, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Murtagh Rea, 6. Dean Macartney, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Andrew Matchett, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Jan Cunninghan, 12. Mark McCall (c), 13. Stan McDowell, 14. Jonathan Davis, 15. Simon Mason. Replacements: Richard Weir (for Clarke, 60), Rab Irwin (for Leslie, 73), Mark Blair (for Longwell, 73), Sheldon Coulter (for McDowell, 75), Chris McCarey (for McWhirter, 77). Ulster Rugby Awards The IRFU Ulster Branch Awards ceremony was held on 27 May 1999 at the Balmoral Conference Centre. Winners were:Jim Stokes, "Ulster toasts master Mason", Belfast Telegraph, 28 May 1999 Player of the year: Simon Mason Guinness personality of the year: David Humphreys Northern Bank coach of the year: Harry Williams Renault schools player of the year: Bryan Young, Ballymena Academy Calor Gas youth player of the year: David Cantley, Dromore First Trust club of the year: Dungannon RFC Dorrie B. Faulker Award: Joe Eagleson, competitions secretary References 1998-99 Category:1998–99 in Irish rugby union Category:1998–99 Heineken Cup