2008–09 Ulster Rugby season
Isaac Boss prepares to feed the scrum vs. Ospreys, Liberty Stadium, 27 September 2008
Ground(s)Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Matt Williams
Captain(s)Rory Best
Top scorerIan Humphreys (90)
Most triesDarren Cave (7)
Simon Danielli (7)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (8th)
1st kit
2nd kit
← 2007–08 2009–10 →

The 2008–09 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 15th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their only full season under head coach Matt Williams.

David Humphreys, who retired at the end of last season, was appointed to the newly created role of operations director, reporting to chief executive Michael Reid.[1] Peter Sharp joined as defence coach in August 2008.[2] Current player Paul Steinmetz was appointed backs coach.[3] Former Ulster players Jonny Bell and Niall Malone joined the academy as Elite Player Development Officers.[4]

New signings included Humphreys' younger brother Ian, who had been playing for Leicester Tigers since 2005.[5] Fijian winger Timoci Nagusa joined from Tailevu Knights.[6]

Ulster finished third in their Heineken Cup pool, and eighth in the Celtic League. One highlight of an otherwise disappointing season was a win over Munster at Thomond Park in January, the first time Munster had lost at home in European competition. Three of Ulster's five tries came from Ian Humphreys' assists.[5] Ulster qualified for next season's Heineken Cup as one of Ireland's top three teams, finishing ahead of Connacht in the league.[6] Matt Williams left by mutual consent at the end of the season.[7] Assistant coach Steve Williams also left after his contract was not renewed.[8] For the following season, Ulster put a new management structure in place. Michael Reid was chief executive; David Humphreys was director of rugby, with overall responsibility for the senior team, the Ulster 'A' team (renamed the Ulster Ravens), the Ulster under-20s and the academy; and Brian McLaughlin was appointed head coach, assisted by forwards coaches Jeremy Davidson and Peter Sharp, and backs coach Neil Doak.[9]

Rory Best was Ulster's Player of the Year, and flanker Stephen Ferris was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Staff

Position[3] Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Michael Reid  Ireland
Operations director David Humphreys  Ireland
Director or coaching Matt Williams  Australia
Assistant coach (forwards) Steve Williams  Wales
Defence Coach Peter Sharp  Australia
Backs coach/player Paul Steinmetz  New Zealand
Skills coach Neil Doak  Ireland
Scrum co-ordinator Reggie Corrigan  Ireland
Team manager David Millar  Ireland
Head of strength and conditioning Jonny Davis  Ireland
Medical co-ordinator Dr. David Irwin  Ireland
Assistant team doctor Dr. Michael Webb  Ireland
Head physiotherapist Gareth Robinson  Ireland
Physiotherapist Alan McCaldin  Ireland
Performance analyst Alex McCloy  Ireland
Resources manager Mick Ennis  Australia
Team administration co-ordinator Sarah Sherry  Ireland

Squad

Senior squad

Ulster Rugby squad[26]

Props

Hookers

  • Ireland Rory Best (c) (20 apps, 19 starts)
  • Ireland Nigel Brady (14 apps, 5 starts, 10 pts)
  • Ireland Stuart Philpott (3 apps)
  • Ireland Neil Hanna (1 app)

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. Italics denotes academy players who appeared in the senior team.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.

    Academy squad

    Position[27] Name Nationality
    High Performance Director Gary Longwell  Ireland
    Elite Player Development Officer Jonny Bell  Ireland
    Elite Player Development Officer Niall Malone  Ireland
    Strength & conditioning coach Aaron Peck  England
    Academy squad

    Props


    Hookers

    • Ireland Stephen Douglas (3)
    • Ireland David McGregor (1)


    Locks

    Back row


    Scrum-halves


    Fly-halves

    • none

    Centres


    Wings


    Fullbacks

    Heineken Cup

    Pool 4

    Team P W D L Tries for Tries against Try diff Points for Points against Points diff TB LB Pts
    England Harlequins (3) 650116124144115292022
    France Stade Français 630313112131109221215
    Ireland Ulster 621313130113134−210111
    Wales Scarlets 61141218−6124154−30028
    11 October 2008
    15:30
    Ulster Ireland10 – 26France Stade Français
    Tries: P. Wallace 74' c
    Conv: N. O'Connor (1/1)
    Pen: N. O'Connor (1) 49'    		Report[28]Tries: G. Bousses 23' c
    D. Szarzewski 60' c
    Conv: L. Beauxis (2/2)
    Pen: L. Beauxis (1) 15'
    Drop: J. Hernández (2) 10', 26'
    L. Beauxis (1) 63'
    Ravenhill, Belfast
    Attendance: 10,397
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 74'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick, 18. Carlo del Fava (for Steinmetz 57'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 68'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Schifkofske 45').
    18 October 2008
    15:00
    Harlequins England42 – 21Ireland Ulster
    Tries: J. Turner-Hall 15' m
    T. Williams (2) 26' m, 61' m
    D. Care 33' c
    Penalty Try 40' c
    M. Brown 43' c
    Conv: C. Malone (3/6)
    Pen: C. Malone (2) 7', 66'    		Report[29]Tries: T. Nagusa 2' c
    P. Wallace 52' c
    A. Trimble 57' c
    Conv: N. O'Connor (3/3)
    Twickenham Stoop Stadium, London
    Attendance: 12,368
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Tagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 72'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 47'), 18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Del Fava 47'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 52'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 66'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 63'), 22. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 66).
    5 December 2008
    20:00
    Ulster Ireland26 – 16Wales Scarlets
    Tries: D. Cave 25' c
    S. Danielli 34' m
    D. Pollock 64' m
    Conv: I. Humphreys (1/3)
    Pen: I. Humphreys (3) 7', 40', 59'    		Report[30]Tries: C. Thomas 79' c
    Conv: S. Jones (1/1)
    Pen: S. Jones (3) 10', 28', 47'
    Ravenhill, Belfast
    Attendance: 8,729
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for J. Fitzpatrick 52'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 67'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 72'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Steinmetz 69').
    12 December 2008
    20:00
    Scarlets Wales16 – 16Ireland Ulster
    Tries: D. Daniel 46' c
    Conv: S. Jones (1/1)
    Pen: S. Jones (3) 20', 53', 78'    		Report[31]Tries: I. Humphreys 23' m
    P. Wallace 32' m
    Conv: I. Humphreys (0/2)
    Pen: I. Humphreys 71'
    Drop: I. Humphreys 12'
    Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
    Attendance: 8,026
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha), 18. Matt McCullough (for Caldwell), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Cave), 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham).
    17 January 2009
    14:35
    Ulster Ireland21 – 10England Harlequins
    Tries: D. Cave 1' c
    R. Best 78' m
    Conv: I. Humphreys (1/1)
    C. Schifcofske (0/1)
    Pen: I. Humphreys (3/3) 8', 29', 39'    		Report[32]Try: Penalty try 60' c
    Conv: N. Evans (1/1)
    Pen: N. Evans (1/1) 43'
    C. Malone (0/1)
    Ravenhill, Belfast
    Attendance: 8,861
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Tom Court, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick 61'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Henry 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 61'), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 58'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 41').
    24 January 2009
    14:35
    Stade Français France24 – 19Ireland Ulster
    Tries: J. Leguizamón 54' m
    M. Gasnier 77' c
    Conv: L. Beauxis (1/2)
    Pen: L. Beauxis (4/6) 28', 29', 49', 58'    		Report[33]Tries: P. Steimetz 37' m
    N. Brady 80' m
    Conv: N. O'Connor (0/1)
    C. Schifcofske (0/1)
    Pen: N. O'Connor (1/3) 15'
    C. Schifcofske (2/3) 46', 72'
    Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris
    Attendance: 8,450
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Chris Henry, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Young 52'), 18. Kieron Dawson (for Henry 48'), 19. Willie Faloon (for McCullough 71'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall 47'), 21. Rob Dewey, 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 76').

    Celtic League

    Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
    1Ireland Munster 181404405257+14849236163
    2Scotland Edinburgh 181107416296+12040306555
    3Ireland Leinster 181116401270+13138204252
    4Wales Ospreys 181107397319+7839283552
    5Wales Scarlets 18909376395−1941463140
    6Wales Cardiff Blues 18819322361−3931362238
    7Scotland Glasgow Warriors 187011349375−2636414537
    8Ireland Ulster 187011298331−3330332636
    9Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 187011305429−12426391433
    10Ireland Connacht 184014224460−23620541320
    Under 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 Archived 2013-11-22 at the Wayback Machine
    5 September 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland9–16Wales Scarlets
    Pen: Schifcofske (3)Report[34]Try: Daniel
    Con: Jones
    Pen: Jones (3)
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 7,368
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 66'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 23'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 66'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Bryn Cunningham.
    12 September 2008
    19:05
    Cardiff Blues Wales16–15Ireland Ulster
    Try: Halfpenny
    Con: Blair
    Pen: Blair (3)    		Report[35]Try: Botha
    Boss
    Con: O'Connor
    Pen: O'Connor
    Cardiff City Stadium
    Attendance: 8,619
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 48'), 18. Kieron Dawson, 19. TJ Anderson (for Pollock 42'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Rob Dewey (for Wallace 12'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 20').
    19 September 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland14–16Wales Newport Gwent Dragons
    Try: Dawson
    Humphreys
    Con: Schifcofske (2)    		Report[36]Try: Smith
    Con: Arlidge
    Pen: Arlidge (3)
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 7,885
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifcofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 61'), 19. TJ Anderson (for McCullough 66'), 20. Paddy Wallace (for Boss 61'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 36'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Dewey 72').
    27 September 2008
    17:30
    Ospreys Wales43–0Ireland Ulster
    Try: Wells
    Hook (2)
    Williams
    Bowe
    Byrne
    Jones
    Con: Hook (5)
    Pen: Hook    		Report[37]
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 7,225
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Clinton Schifcofske, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Rob Dewey, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 66'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 51'), 18. Ed O'Donoghue (for Caldwell 67'), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McCullough 59'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss (68'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 70'), 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Cunningham 30').
    3 October 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland13–9Scotland Edinburgh
    Try: Pollock
    Con: Schifcofske
    Pen: Schifcofske    		Report[38]Pen: Blair (2)
    Godman
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 8,418
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofske, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 60'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 60'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 76'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 43'), 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Timoci Nagusa.
    25 October 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland22–6Ireland Munster
    Try: Nagusa (2)
    Boss
    Con: Humphreys (2)
    Pen: Humphreys    		Report[39]Pen: Warwick
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 10,058
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 73'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 47'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 47'), 19. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 71'), 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 52'), 21. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 12'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Cunningham 71').
    28 November 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland53–13Ireland Connacht
    Try: Ferris
    Nagusa
    Danielli (2)
    McCrea
    Cave
    Cunningham
    Con: Humphreys (6)
    Pen: Humphreys (2)    		Report[40]Try: Carr
    Con: Keatley
    Pen: Keatley (2)
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 8,841
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 67'), 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 56'), 18. Matt McCullough (for Ferris 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Isaac Boss (for Willis 67'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Wallace 1'), 22. Simon Danielli (for Nagusa 36').
    27 December 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland13–21Ireland Leinster
    Try: Cave
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys (2)    		Report[41]Try: Elsom
    Keogh
    Con: Contepomi
    Pen: Contepomi (3)
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 13,500
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Fitzpatrick 48'), 18. TJ Anderson (for Ferris 69'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Clinton Schifcofske (for Cunningham 41').
    3 January 2009
    19:30
    Munster Ireland11–37Ireland Ulster
    Try: Howlett
    Pen: Warwick (2)    		Report[42]Try: Wallace
    Cave
    McCrea
    Court
    Trimble
    Con: Humphreys (3)
    Pen: Humphreys (2)
    Thomond Park Stadium
    Attendance: 25,623
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Timoci Nagusa, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 61'), 18. Filo Paulo (for McCullough 57'), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson 68'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 75'), 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Mark McCrea (for Nagusa 13').
    9 January 2009
    19:45
    Edinburgh Scotland21–15Ireland Ulster
    Try: Southwell
    Hamilton
    Con: Godman
    Pen: Godman (3)    		Report[43]Pen: Humphreys (4)
    Wallace
    Murrayfield
    Attendance: 3,393
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 68'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court 50'), 18. Filo Paulo (for Diack 32'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Pollock 62'), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss 73'), 21. Paul Steinmetz (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Cave 67').
    22 February 2009
    16:10
    Newport Gwent Dragons Wales26–16Ireland Ulster
    Try: Tovey (3)
    Con: Tovey
    Pen: Connor
    Tovey (2)    		Report[44]Try: Danielli
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys
    Schifcofske (2)
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 6,112
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. David Pollock, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for Brady 53'), 17. Brian Young (for Court 58'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough 69'), 19. Matt McCullough (for Henry 64'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 48'), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 69'), 22. Ian Whitten (for Steinmetz 45').
    7 March 2009
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland12–0Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Try: Cave
    Trimble
    Con: Humphreys    		Report[45]
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 8,286
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Botha 41'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 63'), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough 63'), 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 65'), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 71').
    29 March 2009
    17:30
    Leinster Ireland32–6Ireland Ulster
    Try: McFadden
    Cullen
    Elsom
    Keogh
    Con: Contepomi (3)
    Pen: Contepomi (2)    		Report[46]Pen: Humphreys
    Schifcofske
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 15,940
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Chris Henry, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 70'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 54'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 56'), 19. Robbie Diack (for McCullough 54'), 20. Cillian Willis (for Boss 64'), 21. Ian Whitten (for Humphreys 55'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Cave 69').
    3 April 2009
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland13–16Wales Ospreys
    Try: Danielli
    Con: Schifcofske
    Pen: Schifcofske (2)    		Report[47]Try: Tiatia
    Con: Hook
    Pen: Hook (3)
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 9,600
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Chris Henry, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Simon Danielli, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court (for Young 74'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 71'), 19. Willie Faloon, 20. Cillian Willis, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa.
    17 April 2009
    19:30
    Glasgow Warriors Scotland19–20Ireland Ulster
    Try: Evans
    Con: Gregor
    Pen: Gregor (2)
    Parks    		Report[48]Try: Pollock
    Danielli
    Con: Schifcofske (2)
    Pen: Schifcofske (2)
    Firhill Stadium
    Attendance: 2,960
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Ian Whitten, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Daniel Roach, 18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Darren Cave.
    24 April 2009
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland9–11Wales Cardiff Blues
    Pen: Schifcofske
    O'Connor
    Drop: O'Connor    		Report[49]Try: Loxton
    Pen: Sweeney
    Ravenhill
    Attendance: 7,809
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble, 15. Clinton Schifkofske. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Tom Court, 18. Matt McCullough, 19. Chris Henry, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Ian Whitten, 22. Timoci Nagusa.
    8 May 2009
    19:00
    Connacht Ireland12–14Ireland Ulster
    Try: Carr
    Browne
    Con: Keatley    		Report[50]Try: Danielli
    Pen: Humphreys (2)
    Schifcofske
    Sportsground
    Attendance: 1,425
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. BJ Botha, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Clinton Schifcofkse, 15. Isaac Boss. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Best 80'), 17. Bryan Young (for Court 64'), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava 51'), 19. Matt McCullough, 20. Niall O'Connor (for Humphreys 51'), 21. Rob Dewey (for Cave 72'), 22. Timoci Nagusa (for Whitten 64').
    16 May 2009
    19:30
    Scarlets Wales43–17Ireland Ulster
    Try: Evans
    Day
    Williams
    Daniel
    Roberts
    Lyons
    Con: Priestland (5)
    Pen: Priestland    		Report[51]Try: Paul Marshall
    Cave
    Con: O'Connor
    Humphreys
    Drop: O'Connor
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 6,219
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Ed O'Donoghue, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Isaac Boss. Replacements: 16. Neil Hanna (for D. Fitzpatrick 69'), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57'), 18. Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 41'), 19. David Pollock (for Henry 41') 20. Ian Humphreys (for O'Connor 52'), 21. Mark McCrea (for Danielli 64'), 22. Clinton Schifcofke.

    Friendlies

    13 November 2008
    19:30
    Ulster Ireland62–6Portugal Portugal
    Try: Cave (4)
    McCrea (2)
    Nagusa (2)
    Hanna
    Whitten
    Con: Humphreys (3)
    O'Connor (3)    		Report[52]Pen: Cabral (2)
    Ravenhill
    Ulster lineup
    • 1. Bryan Young, 2. Neil Hanna, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Filo Paulo, 5. Ed O'Donoghue, 6. TJ Anderson, 7. David Pollock (c), 8. Robbie Diack, 9. Cillian Willis, 10. Ian Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Ian Whitten, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Timoci Nagusa, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Jarlath Carey, 18. Justin Fitzpatrick, 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Paul Steinmetz, 23. Chris Henry, 24. James Sandford, 25. Chris Cochrane.

    Home attendance

    Domestic League European Cup Total
    League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
    2008–09 Celtic League 9 9,085 13,500 7,368 2008–09 Heineken Cup 3 9,329 10,397 8,729 109,752 9,146

    Ulster Rugby Awards

    The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 14 May 2009 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. Winners were:[53]

    References

    1. 1 2 Richard Mulligan, "New role for Humphreys at Ulster", News Letter, 5 June 2008
    2. ↑ Gavin Mairs, "Peter has been Sharp man for Ulster: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 11 December 2008
    3. 1 2 "Club Profiles - Team Management", Ulster Rugby, archived, 13 September 2008
    4. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "'Old Hands' are back in the Ravenhill fold", News Letter, 14 August 2008
    5. 1 2 3 "Ulster’s maverick out half: Ian Humphreys", The Front Row Union, 6 May 2020
    6. 1 2 "Ulster’s flying Fijian: Timoci Nagusa", The Front Row Union, 2 May 2020
    7. ↑ "Williams resigns as Ulster coach", BBC Sport, 20 May 2009
    8. ↑ "Williams quits as Ulster rugby boss", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2009
    9. ↑ "McLaughlin Confirmed As New Ulster Coach", Irish Rugby, 23 June 2009
    10. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Botha is a huge addition to Ulster squad", News Letter, 15 August 2008
    11. 1 2 3 4 Gavin Mairs, "Schifcofske can be best kicker since Mason: Matt", Belfast Telegraph, 29 July 2008
    12. ↑ "Ulster sign Fijian flyer", Planet Rugby, 30 July 2008
    13. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Williams lauds medical expertise", News Letter, 7 January 2009
    14. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Ulster sign young Australian prop", News Letter, 21 June 2008
    15. ↑ Gavin Mairs, "'It's like having your own personal coach by your side'", Belfast Telegraph, 8 October 2008
    16. ↑ Gavin Mairs, "McCrea wants to cap new deal with Bourgoin victory", Belfast Telegraph, 11 January 2008
    17. ↑ "Ulster's Tim Barker reaches deal to join Castres", Irish Independent, 12 November 2007
    18. 1 2 3 4 Richard Mulligan, "End of the line for Ravenhill servants", News Letter, 6 May 2008
    19. ↑ "Simon Best Announces His Retirement From Rugby", Irish Rugby, 25 February 2008
    20. ↑ "Bowe to join Ospreys", Irish Times, 25 January 2008
    21. ↑ "Northampton confirm Best signing". BBC News. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
    22. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Changing of the guard and colours", News Letter, 19 May 2008
    23. ↑ "Miles delighted to be back home", BBC Sport, 18 September 2008
    24. ↑ "Harlequins would like to announce the signing of Neil McMillan". Quins. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
    25. ↑ Dragons line up Kiwi pair – icWales
    26. ↑ Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
    27. ↑ "Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy", Ulster Rugby, archived 3 February 2009
    28. ↑ "Stade too strong for Ulster", ESPN, 11 October 2008, via Internet Archive
    29. ↑ "Harlequins 42-21 Ulster" , BBC Sport, 18 October 2008
    30. ↑ "Ulster register deserved win against Scarlets", ESPN, 5 December 2008
    31. ↑ "Scarlets battle back for share of spoils", ESPN, 12 December 2008
    32. ↑ "Ulster breeze past Harlequins in a stormy Cup encounter", The Guardian, 19 January 2009
    33. ↑ "Ulster miss chances in France", Sky Sports, 24 January 2009
    34. ↑ "Ulster 9-16 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 5 September 2008
    35. ↑ "Ulster given a dose of the Blues", Sky Sports, 12 September 2008
    36. ↑ "Dragons add to Ulster woes", Sky Sports, 19 September 2008
    37. ↑ "Ospreys 43-0 Ulster", BBC Sport, 27 September 2008
    38. ↑ "Ulster finally break duck", Sky Sports, 4 October 2008
    39. ↑ "Ulster off the bottom", Sky Sports, 25 October 2008
    40. ↑ "Ulster demolish Connacht", Sky Sports, 28 November 2008
    41. ↑ "Leinster reign at Ravenhill", Sky Sports, 27 December 2008
    42. ↑ "Munster 11-37 Ulster", BBC Sport, 3 January 2009
    43. ↑ "Ulster crash at Murrayfield", Sky Sports, 9 January 2009
    44. ↑ "Tovey magic stuns Ulster", Sky Sports, 22 January 2009
    45. ↑ "Ulster end losing run", Sky Sports, 7 March 2009
    46. ↑ "Leinster see off Ulster", Sky Sports, 29 March 2009
    47. ↑ "Ospreys edge out Ulster", Sky Sports, 3 April 2009
    48. ↑ "Ulster Dig Deep To Score Rare Scottish Win", Pro12 Rugby, 17 April 2009
    49. ↑ "Ulster Misfire As Cardiff Claim Narrow Win", Irish Rugby, 24 April 2009
    50. ↑ "Connacht 12-14 Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 May 2009
    51. ↑ "Scarlets 43-17 Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 May 2009
    52. ↑ "Ulster 62-6 Portugal", BBC Sport, 11 November 2008
    53. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Ferris claims top accolade", News Letter, 15 May 2009
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