2001–02 Ulster Rugby season

Professional provincial Rugby Union playing season July 2023 July 2023 2001–02 Ulster Rugby season Ravenhill Stadium 12,500 Alan Solomons Andy Ward Neil Best, Paddy Wallace (17 each) David Humphreys (202) Ryan Constable (6) Heineken Cup (2nd in pool)Celtic League (semi-finalists)IRFU Interprovincial Championship (2nd) 2000–01 2002–03 thumb|350px|David Humphreys' scores a Heineken Cup record 37 points against Wasps The 2001–02 season was Ulster Rugby's seventh under professionalism, and their first under head coach Alan Solomons. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the IRFU Interprovincial Championship, and the inaugural Celtic League. Flanker Andy Ward was captain.Gavin Mairs, "New leader Ward can take Ulster back to the future", Belfast Telegraph, 1 August 2001 Solomons, former assistant coach of South Africa and the Western Stormers, was appointed in January to succeed Harry Williams in June. Mark McCall remained assistant coach.Pat Nugent, "Ulster appoint new Director of Coaching", RTÉ, 8 January 2001 Former Springboks assistant coach Phil Mack, who had worked with Solomons with the Stormers, was appointed fitness advisor in place of Mike Bull."Mack appointed to fitness role", Ulster Rugby, archived 12 July 2001 Hooker Allen Clarke retired from playing and was named Director of Elite Player Development, establishing Ulster's first academy programme,"Dallas Jackals Names Allen Clarke as Head Coach and Director of Rugby", DJCoilRugby, 12 June 2020 based at the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland. The first intake consisted of fourteen players.Gavin Mairs, "Ulster blow as injury rules out Tyrone", Belfast Telegraph, 7 August 2001 The Irish, Scottish and Welsh unions agreed a format for the inaugural Celtic League in May 2001. It would involve all four Irish provinces, two teams from Scotland and nine from Wales, organised in two conferences. It would kick off on 18 August, with the final scheduled for 15 December."Celtic League gets green light to kick off in August", Evening Herald, 31 May 2001 Celtic league fixtures between Ulster and Leinster, and between Munster and Connacht, would count towards this year's IRFU Interprovincial Championship. The remaining Interprovincial fixtures would take place in April 2002.Aidan Corr, "Munster face into a hectic season", Limerick Chronicle, 24 July 2001 In the Celtic League, Ulster finished second in Pool A, qualifying for the playoffs. They beat Neath in the quarter-final, but lost to Munster in the semi-final. David Humphreys was the league's leading scorer with 122 points, and the "leading marksman" with 39 successful goal kicks.Statzone https://web.archive.org/web/20231101115241/http://rd.pro12rugby.com/statzone/index.php?includeref=11058&season=2001#11058 1 November 2023 , Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022 In the Heineken Cup, they finished second in Pool 2, missing out on the knockout stage. They finished second in the Interprovincial Championship, qualifying for next season's Heineken Cup. David Humphreys was Ulster's Player of the Year. Lock Gary Longwell made his 100th appearance for Ulster in October 2001."No change for Ulster", BBC Sport, 2 October 2001 Player transfers Players in AUS David Allen from AUS Easts"Ulster on the Brink of a great season", Belfast Telegraph, 17 July 2001 RSA Robby Brink from RSA Western ProvinceAmanda Fennelly, "Ulster finalise 2001-02 squad", RTÉ, 17 July 2001 IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell from ENG London IrishShane Murray, "Ulster announce two signings", RTÉ, 25 April 2001 AUS Mark Crick from AUS New South WalesBrendan Fanning, "New twist for Crick", Irish Independent, 3 March 2002 IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham from IRE rugby union Dungannon RFC IRE rugby union Jeremy Davidson from FRA Castres"Davidson signs for Ulster", ESPN, 23 May 2001 ARG Leopoldo de Chazal from ARG Tucumán"Ulster unveil Puma prop", ESPN, 13 September 2001 IRE rugby union Aidan Kearney from IRE rugby union UCD"Ulster announce bulk of squad", ESPN, 19 March 2001 AUS Adam Larkin from FRA Castres IRE rugby union Matt McCullough from IRE rugby union Ballymena R.F.C. NZL Matt Sexton from NZL Canterbury"Ulster Sign Sexton", Irish Rugby, 6 December 2001 IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace from IRE rugby union UCD IRE rugby union Scott Young from IRE rugby union Ballymena R.F.C. Players out IRE rugby union Stephen Bell to ENG Bedford Blues IRE rugby union John Campbell (released to reserve list)"Ulster axe winger Cunningham", BBC Sport, 19 September 2001 IRE rugby union Allen Clarke (retired) RSA Grant Henderson to RSA SWD Eagles"Currie Cup Preview", ESPN, 30 August 2001 IRE rugby union Dion O'Cuinneagain to IRE rugby union Munster"Inside back: Where are they now?", Irish Independent, 31 October 2010 Squad Ulster Rugby squadAppearances and points not including friendliesProps IRE rugby union Simon Best (17 apps, 17 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Justin Fitzpatrick (18 apps, 14 starts) IRE rugby union Clem Boyd (11 apps, 3 starts) IRE rugby union John Campbell (1 app) IRE rugby union Bryan Young (2 apps) ARG Leopoldo de Chazal Hookers IRE rugby union Paul Shields (15 apps, 15 starts, 10 pts) AUS Mark Crick (4 apps) IRE rugby union Nigel Brady (1 app, 1 start) IRE rugby union Richard Weir (3 apps) NZL Matt Sexton (1 app) Locks IRE rugby union Gary Longwell (15 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Paddy Johns (10 apps, 8 starts) IRE rugby union Jeremy Davidson (12 apps, 7 starts) IRE rugby union Mark Blair (10 apps, 5 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Aidan Kearney (1 app, 1 start) IRE rugby union Matt McCullough (1 app)Back row IRE rugby union Andy Ward (c) (16 apps, 16 starts, 25 pts) IRE rugby union Tony McWhirter (16 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) RSA Russell Nelson (14 apps, 12 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Neil McMillan (12 apps, 5 starts, 5 pts) RSA Warren Brosnihan (2 apps, 2 starts) AUS David Allen* (2 apps, 1 starts) RSA Robby Brink (1 app, 1 start) IRE rugby union Mike Haslett (1 app) Scrum-halves IRE rugby union Neil Doak (14 apps, 14 starts, 15 pts) AUS Brad Free* (4 apps, 2 starts, 5 pts) IRE rugby union Kieran Campbell (4 apps, 1 starts) Fly-halves IRE rugby union David Humphreys (13 apps, 13 starts, 208 pts) IRE rugby union Niall Malone (2 apps, 1 starts)Centres IRE rugby union Jonny Bell (11 apps, 11 starts) AUS Adam Larkin* (14 apps, 10 starts, 5 pts) NZL Shane Stewart (7 apps, 6 starts, 5 pts) AUS Ryan Constable (12 apps, 4 starts, 30 pts) IRE rugby union Stan McDowell (1 app, 1 start) Wings IRE rugby union Tyrone Howe (16 apps, 16 starts, 20 pts) IRE rugby union James Topping (10 apps, 10 starts, 10 pts) IRE rugby union Sheldon Coulter (10 apps, 7 starts) IRE rugby union Jan Cunningham (2 apps, 1 starts) IRE rugby union Scott Young Fullbacks IRE rugby union Paddy Wallace (17 apps, 17 starts, 90 pts) IRE rugby union Bryn Cunningham (7 apps, 5 starts, 5 pts) (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 2001-02 Heineken Cup 6 4 0 2 196 142 54 11 6 2001-02 Celtic League 9 5 1 3 241 201 40 21 19 IRFU Interprovincial Championship 2 2 0 0 41 35 6 4 3 Total 17 11 1 5 478 378 100 26 18 2001–02 Heineken Cup 2001–02 Heineken Cup Pool 2 TeamPWDLTries forTries againstTry diffPoints forPoints againstPoints diffPts FRA Stade Français 6501234192136414910 Ireland rugby union Ulster640217116196142548 ENG Wasps6204990120186−664 ITA Benetton Treviso 6105227−25102239−1372 29 September 2001 15:30 Benetton Treviso ITA 28 – 33 Report"Ulster cling on to win", BBC Sport, 29 September 2001Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster Perziano Mason Mason (7) WardToppingHumphreys Humphreys (3) Humphreys (4) Ward 61 Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso 4,000 P. Adams W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Jeremy Davidson, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Ryan Constable (for Stewart, 53), Kieran Campbell (for Doak, 62), Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 62), Clem Boyd (for Best, 69), Mark Crick (for Shields, 71). 5 October 2001 18:50 Ulster IRE rugby union 42 – 19 Report"Humphreys puts Wasps to flight", The Guardian, 6 October 2001Match centre ENG London Wasps HumphreysHowe Humphreys Humphreys (6) Humphreys (4) Ward 73 Green Logan Logan (4) Molloy 73 Ravenhill, Belfast 10,000 G. Desantis W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Mark Blair (for Davidson, 53) 27 October 2001 14:50 Stade Français FRA 40 – 11 Report"Stade put Ulster to the sword", BBC Sport, 27 October 2001Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster MarconnetGalthiéJonnetDominici Domínguez (3)Berthe Domínguez (4) McWhirter Wallace (2) Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris 6,000 Steve Lander L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Adam Larkin (for Bell, 54), Gary Longwell (for Johns, 55), Brad Free (for Doak, 66), Clem Boyd (for Fitzpatrick, 69), Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 69), Sheldon Coulter (for Stewart, 73). 2 November 2001 14:50 Ulster IRE rugby union 19 – 16 ReportJim Stokes, "Ulster stun Stade with late try", BBC Sport, 2 November 2001Match centre FRA Stade Français Howe Wallace Humphreys (3)Wallace JamesJonnet Domínguez (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 13,000 N. Whitehouse W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Adam Larkin (for B. Cunningham, 30), Clem Boyd (for Best, 66), Paddy Johns (for Blair, 68), Neil McMillan (for Nelson, 68). 6 January 2002 15:45 London Wasps ENG 36 – 32 Report"Wasps edge out Ulster", ESPN, 6 January 2002Match centre IRE rugby union Ulster DenneyRoiserWaters A. King (3) A. King (5) WardConstable Wallace (2) Humphreys (2)Wallace (3) Wallace Loftus Road, London 5,556 G. Morandin L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Bryn Cunningham (for Humphreys, 40), Ryan Constable (for Larkin, 53), Jeremy Davidson (for Longwell, 53), Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 59), Mark Crick (for Shields, 62). 11 January 2002 19:00 Ulster IRE rugby union 59 – 3 Report"Ulster crush Treviso", BBC Sport, 11 January 2002Match centre ITA Benetton Treviso Howe (2)Doak (2)LongwellConstableLarkin, penalty try HumphreysWallace (4) Humphreys (3) Mason Ravenhill, Belfast 12,500 N. Whitehouse W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward, 8. Neil McMillan (c), 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Jeremy Davidson (for Johns, 45), Adam Larkin (for Coulter, 58), Mark Crick (for Shields, 69). 2001-02 Celtic League 2001–02 Celtic League Pool A Table TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTAPts 1Ireland rugby union Leinster 7 7 0 0 281 114 +167 35 8 21 2 Ireland rugby union Ulster 7 4 1 2 194 157 +37 19 17 13 3 SCO Glasgow 7 4 1 2 204 172 +32 25 17 13 4 WAL Llanelli 7 4 0 3 175 123 +52 14 7 12 5 WAL Swansea 7 3 0 4 124 158 −34 9 12 9 6 WAL Bridgend 7 3 0 4 161 208 −47 17 25 9 7 WAL Pontypridd 7 1 0 6 111 207 −96 8 25 3 8 WAL Ebbw Vale 7 1 0 6 134 245 −111 13 29 3Match points were awarded as follows: 3 points for a win 1 point for a drawGreen background (rows 1 to 4) qualify for the knock-out stage.Source: RaboDirect PRO12 https://web.archive.org/web/20200901162145/http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/table.php?includeref=11189&season=2001-2002 1 September 2020 Pool A Fixtures 17 August 2001 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 30 – 13 ReportJim Stokes, "Ulster swamp Swansea", BBC Sport, 14 August 2001Match Centre WAL Swansea FreeShieldsTopping Humphreys (3) Humphreys Payne Henson Henson Morgan Ravenhill, Belfast 6,000 C. White W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Robby Brink, 7. Tony McWhirter, 8. Andy Ward (c), 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Clem Boyd (for Fitzpatrick, 29), 17. Jeremy Davidson (for Johns, 46), 18. Mike Haslett (for Brink, 74), 19. Ritchie Weir, 20. Bryn Cunningham, 21. Ryan Constable, 22. Kieran Campbell. 24 August 2001 19:30 Glasgow SCO 25 – 25 Report"Home fans bemused at failure to win", The Herald, 25 August 2001Match Centre Ireland rugby union Ulster Simpson (2)Nicol Hayes (2) HayesMLaren WallaceConstableNelson WallaceHumphreys Humphreys (2) Hughenden Stadium, Glasgow 6,095 N Whitehouse (Wales) D Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Jeremy Davidson, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. David Allen, 7. Tony McWhirter, 8. Andy Ward (c), 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Ryan Constable (for Larkin, 49), 17. Kieran Campbell (for Free, 61), 18. Clem Boyd (for Fitzpatrick, 60), 19. Richie Weir (for Shields, 50), 20. Mark Blair (for Allen, 55), 21. Russell Nelson (for Ward, 40), 22. Niall Malone. 28 August 2001 19:00 Ulster Ireland rugby union 26 – 27 Report"Llanelli snatch dramatic win", BBC Sport, 28 August 2001Match Centre WAL Llanelli B. Cunningham Humphreys (7) McWhirter ThomasEvansProctor Jones (3) Jones (2) Ravenhill, Belfast 8,000 B. Dickson L Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Paddy Johns (c), 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Russell Nelson, 8. Neil McMillan, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Adam Larkin (for Cunningham, 44), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Best, 63), 18. Richie Weir (for Shields, 76), 19. Jeremy Davidson (for Longwell, 44), 20. David Allen (for McWhirter, 63), 21. Neil Doak, 22. Ryan Constable. 31 August 2001 19:35 Leinster Ireland rugby union 31 – 9 Report"D'Arcy double destroys Ulster", BBC Sport, 31 August 2001Match Centre Ireland rugby union Ulster O'KellyD'Arcy (2)Hickie Spooner Spooner (2) Dempsey Corrigan Humphreys (2)Wallace Blair Donnybrook, Dublin N Williams L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonathan Bell, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Ryan Constable (for Bell, 56), 17. Niall Malone (for Humphreys, 72), 18. Kieran Campbell (for Doak, 78). 19. Clem Boyd (for Best, 71), 20. Mark Blair (for Johns, 44), 21. Tony McWhirter (for Ward, 71), 22. Ritchie Weir. 7 September 2001 19:05 Ebbw Vale WAL 27 – 29 Report"Wallace stars in Ulster fightback", BBC Sport, 7 September 2001Match Centre Ireland rugby union Ulster BettsWagstaffGreen Mitchell (3) CullMitchell Tuipulotu HoweConstable Wallace (2) Wallace (5) Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale 2,000 T. Spreadbury W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Russell Nelson, 8. Neil McMillan, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Niall Malone. Replacements: 16. Jan Cunningham (for Malone, 70), 17. Shane Stewart (for Constable, 56), 18. Richie Weir (for Shields, 62), 19. Clem Boyd (for Best, 40), 20. Gary Longwell (for Blair 52), 21. Tony McWhirter, 22. Brad Free. 12 September 2001 19:30 Ulster Ireland rugby union 46 – 14 Report"Humphreys and Ulster in the mood", Irish Independent, 13 September 2001Match Centre WAL Bridgend ShieldsMcMillanHumphreys (2)StewartWard (2) Humphreys (4) Humphreys RingerJames ReesDunston Peters Ravenhill, Belfast 8,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Clem Boyd, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Russell Nelson, 8. Neil McMillan, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Brad Free (for Doak, 78), 17. Mark Blair (for Davidson, 40), 18. Tony McWhirter (for McMillan, 66), 19. Sheldon Coulter (for Stewart, 68), 20. Ryan Constable (for Larkin, 66), 21. John Campbell (for Boyd, 78), 22. Richie Weir. 15 September 2001 14:30 Pontypridd WAL 20 – 29 Report"Humphreys saves Ulster", BBC Sport, 15 September 2001Micheal McGeary, "Home, Boys", Sunday Life, 16 September 2001Match Centre Ireland rugby union Ulster McIntosh Sweeney (5) BestConstableBlair Humphreys Humphreys (3) Humphreys Sardis Road, Pontypridd 3,200 Chris White W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Russell Nelson, 8. Andy Ward (c), 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Ryan Constable (for Larkin, 63), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Boyd, 61), 18. Mark Blair (for Longwell, 63), 19. Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 58), 20. Ritchie Weir, 21. Sheldon Coulter, 22. Brad Free. Quarter final 30 November 2001 19:05 Ulster Ireland rugby union 38 – 29 Report"Humphreys the hero for Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 November 2021Match CentreVideo WAL Neath BlairWard Humphreys (2) Humphreys (8) Best TiuetiMoore Jarvis (2) Jarvis (4) Ravenhill, Belfast 12,000 W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Mark Blair, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Ryan Constable (for Coulter, 52), 17. Clem Boyd, 18. Jeremy Davidson (for Blair, 60), 19. Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 60), 20. Mark Crick, 21. Kieran Campbell, 22. James Topping. Semi final 8 December 2001 15:00 Munster Ireland rugby union 15 – 9 ReportPeter O'Reilly, "Kicked Out", Sunday Tribune, 9 December 2001Match Centre Ireland rugby union Ulster O'Gara (5) Humphreys (3) Shields Lansdowne Road, Dublin 12,500 I. Ramage L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Ryan Constable (for Larkin, 56), 17. Paddy Johns (for Blair, 44), 18. Neil McMillan (for McWhirter, 64), 19. Mark Crick (for Nelson 61-64), 20. Clem Boyd, 21. Kieran Campbell, 22. Bryn Cunningham. 2001-02 IRFU Interprovincial Championship IRFU Interprovincial Championship Team P W D LFA BPPts Status left Leinster 3 2 0 1 86 35 2 12 Champions; qualified for 2002–03 Heineken Cup left Ulster 3 2 0 1 50 66 0 8 Qualified for 2002–03 Heineken Cup left Munster 3 1 1 1 64 48 1 7 Qualified for 2002–03 Heineken Cup left Connacht 3 0 0 3 56 107 1 1 Qualified for 2002–03 European Challenge Cup Celtic League pool matches between Irish provinces count towards the Interprovincial Championship. 22 April 2002 Connacht Connacht 17-18 ReportJohn Fallon, "Connacht left to rue absent Elwood and lack of penetration", Connacht Sentinel, 23 April 2002 Ulster Ulster Uijs McHugh (4) ConstableB. Cunningham Wallace Wallace (2) The Sportsground, Galway D. McHugh W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Aidan McKearney, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Warren Brosnihan, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Sheldon Coulter (for Topping, 59), Matt McCullough (for McKearney, 59), Bryan Young (for McCullough, 78). 12 May 2002 Ulster Ulster 23-18 Report"Munster creak under the Guinness interpro strain", Limerick Leader, 13 May 2002 Munster Munster WallaceDoak Wallace (2) Wallace (2) Wallace O'ConnellStringer O'Gara O'Gara (2) Ravenhill, Belfast Alan Lewis W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Warren Brosnihan, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Tony McWhirter, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Stan McDowell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Russell Nelson (for Brosnihan, 69), Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick, 79), Home attendance Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance2001–02 Celtic League48,50012,0006,0002001–02 Heineken Cup311,833 13,00010,00069,5009,929 Friendlies 3 August 2001 Ulster Ulster 33-15 ReportJim Stokes, "Ward takes over captain's armband at Ravenhill", Irish Examiner, 1 August 2001Gavin Mairs, "Alan's men shake off cobwebs", Belfast Telegraph, 4 August 2001"Al is well with Ulster", Sunday Life, 5 August 2001 ENG Coventry BellS. BestWardJ. CunninghamHughes Wallace (4) TrueloveBrady Pearce Pearce Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Richie Weir, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Aidan Kearney, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Russell Nelson, 8. Andy Ward (c), 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Sheldon Coulter, 15. Niall Malone. Replacements: Scott Young (for Malone 40), James Topping, Stan McDowell (for Stewart 40-49), Adam Larkin (for Bell 66), David Humphreys, Neil Doak (for Campbell 40), Andrew Hughes, Mike Haslett (for Nelson 42), Gary Longwell (for Kearney 48), John Campbell (for Best 66). Paul Shields (for Weir 40). 8 August 2001 Ulster Ulster 30-17 Report"Sharks can't scare Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 9 August 2001 ENG Sale Sharks ShieldsHaslettLarkin HumphreysWallace (2) Wallace (3) CuetoShepherd Shepherd (2) Shepherd Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Robby Brink, 7. Tony McWhirter, 8. Andy Ward (c), 9. Brad Free, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Jan Cunningham, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys 21), Mike Haslett (for Brink 32), Sheldon Coulter (for J. Cunningham 40), Justin Fitzpatrick (for Boyd 53), Jeremy Davidson (for Longwell 53), Adam Larkin (for Constable 67). 8 August 2001 Ulster Ulster 51-24 ReportRonnie Ingram, "Life and sol of the party", Sunday Life, 30 December 2001"Humphreys in points bonanza", Irish Independent, 29 December 2001 Munster Munster HumphreysConstable (2)DoakLarkinHowe Humphreys (6) Humphreys (3) HoranStaunton Staunton Staunton (3)Holland Ravenhill, Belfast W Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Clem Boyd, 4. Paddy Johns, 5. Jeremy Davidson, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Ryan Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Jan Cunningham, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: Tony McWhirter (for McMillan 58), Mark Crick (for Shields 58), Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 71). 24 November 2001 Connacht Connacht 22-16 ReportJohn Fallon, "All clear for Ulster", Sunday Life, 25 November 2001"Connacht in charge", Sunday Independent, 25 November 2001 Ulster Ulster Yapp Elwood Elwood (5) LarkinTopping Wallace (2) The Sportsground, Galway E. Walsh L Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Mark Crick, 3. Simon Best, 4. Mark Blair, 5. Gary Longwell, 6. Tony McWhirter, 7. David Allen, 8. Russell Nelson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Adam Larkin, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping, 15. Sheldon Coulter. Replacements: Scott Young (for Topping, 40'), Paddy Johns (for Longwell, 40'), Kieran Campbell (for Doak, 54'), Richard Weir (for S. Best, 64', Clem Boyd (for Crick, 68') Ulster Rugby Awards The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 23 May 2002. Winners were:"Humphries doubles up", BBC Sport, 24 May 2002 Ulster player of the year: David Humphreys Ulster Supporters' Club player of the year: David Humphreys Guinness personality of the year: Paddy Wallace Ulster schools player of the year: Lewis Stevenson Coach of the year: Andre Bester, Belfast Harlequins Youth player of the year: Oisin Hennessey Club of the year: Ballynahinch RFC Dorrington B Faulker Memorial Award for services to rugby: Dick Hinds, formerly of Omagh Academy PRO/Media Prize: Terry Jackson, Dungannon RFC Season reviews "Andy Ward's Thoughts On The Season", Ulster Rugby, 15 May 2002, archived 9 July 2002 References Category:Ulster Rugby seasons Ulster Ulster Ulster