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2005–06 Ulster Rugby season

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2005–06 Ulster Rugby season
Ground(s)Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Mark McCall
Captain(s)Simon Best, Justin Harrison[1]
Top scorerDavid Humphreys (267)
Most triesTommy Bowe (11)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (champions)

In the 2005–06 season, Ulster were Celtic League champions for the first time. This was their eleventh season under professionalism, and their second under head coach Mark McCall. They also competed in the Heineken Cup.

In pre-season, Gary Longwell replaced Maurice Field as head of the academy.[2] Scrum-half Neil Doak retired as a player and became a High Performance Coach with the academy.[3] Flanker and captain Andy Ward also retired.[4] New signings included Australian international lock Justin Harrison,[5] and Irish-qualified New Zealand-born scrum-half Isaac Boss.[6] Prop Justin Fitzpatrick returned from Castres Olympique.[7]

Ulster finished top of the table in the Celtic League. Tommy Bowe was the league's top try scorer with ten. David Humphreys was second top points scorer with 229, and second leading marksman with 81 successful goal kicks. Justin Harrison was joint top of the appearances table with 20.[8] In the Heineken Cup, they finished third in Pool 4, failing to qualify for the knockout stage.

Players who made their debuts this season include flanker Stephen Ferris,[9] prop Declan Fitzpatrick,[10] centre Andrew Trimble,[11] and lock Ryan Caldwell,[10] Andrew Trimble was Ulster's Player of the Year, and IRUPA Newcomer of the Year. Neil Best won the IRUPA Unsung Hero award.[12]

Staff

[edit]
Position[13] Name Nationality
Director of Coaching Mark McCall  Ireland
Assistant coach (forwards) Allen Clarke  Ireland
Assistant coach (defence) Neil Kelly  England

Squad

[edit]

Senior squad

[edit]
Ulster Rugby squad[14][23]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.

Academy squad

[edit]
Academy squad

Props

Hookers

  • Ireland Stuart Philpott (1)

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

  • Ireland Mark Kettyle (1)

2005–06 Heineken Cup

[edit]

Pool 4

[edit]
Team P W D L Tries for Tries against Try diff Points for Points against Points diff TB LB Pts
France Biarritz (2) 6 5 0 1 24 10 +14 182 93 +89 4 0 24
England Saracens 6 4 0 2 12 13 −1 128 129 −1 1 0 17
Ireland Ulster 6 3 0 3 15 13 +2 126 111 +15 2 0 14
Italy Benetton Treviso 6 0 0 6 13 28 −15 104 207 −103 2 1 3
21 October 2005 Ulster Ireland 27–0 Italy Benetton Treviso Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Wilson 20'
N. Best 57'
McMillan 75'
Maggs
Con: David Humphreys (2) 20', 75'
Pen: David Humphreys 6'
Report[25][26] Attendance: 12,252
Referee: Jean-Pierre Matheu
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Wilson 29-39),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison 79), 19. Campbell Feather,
20. Reece Spee (for Boss 22), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Topping 59).

29 October 2005 Biarritz France 33–19 Ireland Ulster Parc des Sports Aquil  
16:00 Try: Badabé (2) 1', 14'
Bălan 4'
Gobelet 73'
Con: Yachvili (2) 15', 73'
Pen: Yachvili (2) 40', 65'
Drop: Peyrelongue 80' +5'
Report[27][28] Try: N. Best 18'
S. Best 59'
Pen: David Humphreys (3) 7', 32', 68'
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Nigel Whitehouse
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick 71),
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Campbell Feather (for McMillan 80),
20. Reece Spee, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Topping 47).

9 December 2005 Ulster Ireland 19–10 England Saracens Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: R. Best 78'
Con: David Humphreys 79'
Pen: David Humphreys (4) 25', 55', 71', 77'
Report[29][30] Try: Jackson 14'
Con: Jackson 15'
Pen: Jackson 61'
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Eric Darriere
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore,
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan 40),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell 72), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

17 December 2005 Saracens England 18–10 Ireland Ulster Vicarage Road  
13:00 Try: Skirving 3'
Yates 40' +4'
Con: Jackson 4'
Pen: Jackson (2) 67', 80' + 5'
Report[31] Try: Bowe 5'
Con: David Humphreys 6'
Pen: David Humphreys 78'
Attendance: 8,571
Referee: Joël Jutge
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best 80), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Ferris 70), 19. Stephen Ferris (for N. Best 38),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell 57), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

13 January 2006 Ulster Ireland 8–24 France Biarritz Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Best 5'
Pen: David Humphreys 51'
Report[32] Try: Bobo 30'
Bălan 62'
Con: Yachvili 62'
Pen: Yachvili (3) 11', 72' 79'
Drop: Peyrelongue 80' + 1'
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Dave Pearson
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young 57),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough 70), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris 68),
20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 61), 22. James Topping (for Maggs 77).

21 January 2006 Benetton Treviso Italy 26–43 Ireland Ulster Stadio Comunale di Monigo  
16:00 Try: Tejeda (2) 39', 40' +3'
Williams 42'
Palmer 67'
Con: Goosen (3) 39', 40' + 3', 67'
Report[33] Try: Maxwell (3) 3', 21', 33'
Trimble (2) 52', 79'
Wallace 60'
Con: Steinmetz (5) 4', 22', 34', 52' 79'
Pen: Steinmetz 41'
Attendance: 3,500
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. James Topping,
15. Tommy Bowe.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for Brady 56), 17. Rod Moore (for Young 70),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough 78), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris 61),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss 50), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Larkin 60), 22. Jonny Bell (for Topping 68).

2005-06 Celtic League

[edit]
Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Ireland Ulster 20 15 1 4 510 347 +163 49 31 3 2 75
2 Ireland Leinster 20 14 0 6 545 427 +118 59 45 8 2 74
3 Ireland Munster 20 12 0 8 439 372 +67 49 42 7 3 66
4 Wales Cardiff Blues 20 11 0 9 475 389 +86 51 38 6 5 63
5 Scotland Edinburgh Gunners 20 11 0 9 418 415 +3 48 45 5 3 60
6 Wales Llanelli Scarlets 20 10 1 9 418 402 +16 49 37 3 4 57
7 Wales Ospreys 20 11 0 9 381 409 −28 33 38 1 2 55
8 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 20 7 0 13 355 456 −101 40 51 2 7 45
9 Scotland Border Reivers 20 7 0 13 386 501 −115 39 59 1 7 44
10 Ireland Connacht 20 6 0 14 325 466 −141 28 51 1 4 37
11 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 20 5 0 15 371 439 −68 39 47 2 7 37
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)

Due to the uneven number of participating teams, each team had two free weekends and were awarded 4 match points each time.

Source: RaboDirect PRO12 Archived 22 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine
9 September 2005 Cardiff Blues Wales 22–25 Ireland Ulster Cardiff Arms Park  
19:10 Try: Morgan
Con: Robinson
Pen: Robinson (5)
Report[34] Try: Bowe
Con: David Humphreys
Pen: David Humphreys (5)
Drop: David Humphreys
Attendance: 5,784
Referee: Rob Dickson
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young,
18. Rowan Frost ( for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather,
20. Paul Marshall, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

16 September 2005 Ulster Ireland 30–23 Scotland Edinburgh Gunners Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Bowe
Trimble
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (6)
Report[35] Try: Dewey
Leonelli
Con: Paterson (2)
Pen: Paterson (2)
Drop: Paterson
Attendance: 7,799
Referee: Phil Fear
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather,
20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Trimble).

24 September 2005 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 19–22 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
17:30 Try: Gough
Con: Warlow
Pen: Warlow (3)
Drop: Warlow
Report[36] Try: N. Best (2)
Trimble
Con: Wallace (2)
Pen: Wallace
Attendance: 5,112
Referee: Malcolm Changleng
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. James Topping, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Rowan Frost, 19. Campbell Feather,
20. Reece Spee, 21. Shane Stewart, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

1 October 2005 Leinster Ireland 30–23 Ireland Ulster Donnybrook  
17:30 Try: Hickie
Potts
Con: Contepomi
Pen: Contepomi (6)
Report[37] Try: Wallace
Best
Con: David Humphreys (2)
Pen: David Humphreys (3)
Attendance: 6,500
Referee: Olan Trevor
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Paddy Wallace.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough, 19. Campbell Feather,
20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

7 October 2005 Ulster Ireland 36–10 Ireland Connacht Ravenhill  
19:10 Try: R. Best
Bowe
Topping
McCullough
Trimble
Con: Humphreys (2)
Cunningham
Wallace
Pen: Cunningham
Report[38] Try: Matthews
Con: Robinson
Pen: Warwick
Attendance: 9,546
Referee: Alain Rolland
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Rowan Frost (for Harrison), 19. Campbell Feather (for McMillan),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Topping).

15 October 2005 Border Reivers Scotland 0–27 Ireland Ulster Netherdale  
19:30 Report[39] Try: Topping
N. Best
Boss
Con: Humphreys (3)
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Attendance: 1,857
Referee: Phil Fear
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Stephen Ferris (for Wilson),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Trimble).

4 November 2005 Ulster Ireland 12–20 Wales Ospreys Ravenhill  
19:10 Pen: Steinmetz (4)
Report[40] Try: Spice
Pen: Connor (4)
Drop: Connor
Attendance: 9,310
Referee: Ian Heard
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Declan Fitzpatrick, 17. Rod Moore (for Young),
18. Henry Head (for Caldwell), 19. Stephen Ferris (for Feather),
20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Jonny Bell.

3 December 2005 Munster Ireland 17–20 Ireland Ulster Musgrave Park  
19:10 Try: D. Wallace
Flannery
Con: O'Gara (2)
Drop: O'Gara
Report[41] Try: Bowe
Andrew Trimble
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Alain Rolland
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore,
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

26 December 2005 Ulster Ireland 19–24 Ireland Leinster Ravenhill  
17:00 Try: Bowe
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (4)
Report[42] Try: D'Arcy
Dempsey
Con: Contepomi
Pen: Contepomi (4)
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: George Clancy
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Stephen Ferris,
20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping.

31 December 2005 Connacht Ireland 22–12 Ireland Ulster Sportsground  
14:00 Try: Slemen
Lacey
McPhillips
Con: Slemen (2)
Pen: Slemen
Report[43] Pen: Humphreys (4)
Attendance: 2,100
Referee: Alan Lewis
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Paul Steinmetz, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for Fitzpatrick),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Frost), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Maggs).

7 January 2006 Ulster Ireland 25–23 Scotland Glasgow Warriors Ravenhill  
15:30 Try: Humphreys
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (6)
Report[44] Try: Hamilton
Morrison
Con: Parks (2)
Pen: Parks (3)
Attendance: 6,487
Referee: Phil Fear
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Rowan Frost,
6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
11. James Topping, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Frost), 19. Stephen Ferris (for McMillan),
20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell.

27 January 2006 Ulster Ireland 30–13 Wales Llanelli Scarlets Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Howe
Maxwell
Con: Steinmetz
Pen: Steinmetz (6)
Report[45] Try: James
Con: Davies (2)
Attendance: 7,986
Referee: Peter Allan
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. Adam Larkin,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Rod Moore,
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Neil Best (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell).

17 February 2006 Edinburgh Gunners Scotland 23–31 Ireland Ulster Murrayfield  
19:30 Try: Hodge
Penalty try
Con: Hodge (2)
Pen: Hodge (3)
Report[46] Try: Maxwell (2)
Boss
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (4)
Attendance: 3,559
Referee: Nigel Whitehouse
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Rowan Frost (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell (for Topping).

3 March 2006 Ulster Ireland 27–3 Ireland Munster Ravenhill  
19:35 Try: Bowe
Steinmetz
McMillan
Wilson
Harrison
Con: Humphreys
Report[47] Pen: Burke
Attendance: 12,300
Referee: Alain Rolland
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys), 22. Kevin Maggs (for Bell).

25 March 2006 Ulster Ireland 24–17 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
15:30 Try: Bowe
Humphreys
Cunningham
Con: Humphreys (3)
Pen: Humphreys
Report[48] Try: Jones
Luscombe
Con: Warlow (2)
Pen: Warlow
Attendance: 7,546
Referee: Malcolm Changleng
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan,
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Adam Larkin (for Ferris), 22. Kevin Maggs (for Steinmetz).

15 April 2006 Glasgow Warriors Scotland 18–27 Ireland Ulster Firhill  
17:30 Try: Beattie
O'Hare
Con: Parks
Pen: Parks (2)
Report[49] Try: Harrison
Boss
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (5)
Attendance: 2,240
Referee: Tim Hayes
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Jonny Bell, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. James Topping (for Maxwell).

5 May 2006 Ulster Ireland 26–17 Wales Cardiff Blues Ravenhill  
21:00 Try: Wilson
Penalty try
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys (4)
Report[50] Try: Robinson
Pen: Macleod (4)
Attendance: 9,617
Referee: Andy Ireland
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Justin Fitzpatrick, 17. Nigel Brady (for R. Best),
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell (for Maxwell).

12 May 2006 Ulster Ireland 63–17 Scotland Border Reivers Ravenhill  
19:30 Try: Bowe (2)
Wallace
Maxwell (2)
Wilson
Trimble (2)
Ferris
Con: Humphreys (6)
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Report[51] Try: Moffat
Danielli
Con: MacRae (2)
Pen: MacRae
Attendance: 8,932
Referee: James Jones
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Andrew Trimble, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young),
18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Bell).

19 May 2006 Llanelli Scarlets Wales 12–12 Ireland Ulster Stradey Park  
19:10 Try: John (2)
Con: Evans
Report[52] Try: Bowe
Maxwell
Con: Humphreys
Attendance: 6,425
Referee: Graeme Hannah
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for S. Best),
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Jonny Bell (for Humphreys), 22. Tyrone Howe.

26 May 2006 Ospreys Wales 17–19 Ireland Ulster Liberty Stadium  
19:10 Try: Spice
Vaughton
Con: Henson (2)
Pen: Henson
Report[53] Try: McCullough
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys (2)
Drop: Humphreys
Attendance: 10,316
Referee: David Changleng
Ulster lineup:

1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Neil Best, 7. Stephen Ferris, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys,
11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rod Moore,
18. Ryan Caldwell, 19. Neil McMillan (for Ferris),
20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Jonny Bell, 22. James Topping.

Home attendance

[edit]
Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
2005–06 Celtic League 10 9,181 12,300 6,487 2005–06 Heineken Cup 3 12,284 12,300 12,252 128,665 9,897

Friendlies

[edit]
19 August 2005 Ulster Ireland 9-17 England London Irish Ravenhill Stadium  
Pen: Steinmetz (3)
Report[54] Try: Ojo (2)
Staniforth
Con: Laidlaw
Attendance: 6,330
Referee: C Stanley
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Matt McCullough,
6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Reece Spee (for Campbell 40'), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 40'), Neil McMillan (for Wilson 47'), Tommy Bowe (for Howe 48'), Adam Larkin (for Wallace 58'), Henry Head (for Harrison 70'), Jonny Bell (for Topping 77').

26 August 2005 Ulster Ireland 42-15 England Rotherham Titans Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: N. Best
McMillan (2)
Trimble
Humphreys
Frost
Con: Steinmetz (2)
Humphreys (3)
Wallace
Report[55] Try: Fourie
McGowan
Con: Whitehead
Pen: Whitehead
Ulster lineup:

1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell,
6. Neil Best, 7. Campbell Feather (c), 8. Neil McMillan,
9. Reece Spee, 10. Paddy Wallace,
11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. James Topping,
15. Bryn Cunningham.
Replacements:
Nigel Brady, Justin Fitzpatrick, Rowan Frost, Henry Head, Chris Henry, Oisin Hennessey, Paul Marshall, David Humphreys, Kevin Maggs, Shane Stewart, Andrew Trimble.

Ulster Rugby Awards

[edit]

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 18 May 2006. Winners were:[56]

  • Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Andrew Trimble
  • Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Justin Harrison
  • UTV Young Player of the Year: Stephen Ferris
  • Northern Bank Schools Player of the Year: Stephen Douglas, RBAI
  • Kukri Sportswear Club of the Year: Rainey Old Boys
  • Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: William Stewart, Ballyclare
  • Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Ian Beggs, Carrickfergus
  • First Trust Club Player of the Year: Glenn Moore, QUB

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Unlocking Justin Harrison", Belfast Telegraph, 8 July 2008
  2. ^ a b "Longwell set to tackle new challenge", Belfast Telegraph, 8 June 2005
  3. ^ "Doak announces representative retirement", ESPN, 5 April 2005
  4. ^ "Andy Ward announces retirement", ESPN, 19 January 2005
  5. ^ "Harrison Unveiled As New Ulster Signing", Irish Rugby, 1 August 2005
  6. ^ "Passion for Ireland leads Boss to sign with Ulster", New Zealand Herald, 18 February 2005
  7. ^ "Fitzpatrick signs three-year deal with Ulster", Irish Examiner, 15 March 2005
  8. ^ Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022
  9. ^ "Stephen Ferris To Retire From Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 3 June 2014
  10. ^ a b "Caldwell is handed Ulster debut", BBC Sport, 23 August 2005
  11. ^ "Topping returns to Ulster line-up", BBC Sport, 16 August 2005
  12. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Trimble and Best land IRUPA awards", Belfast Telegraph, 4 May 2006
  13. ^ Profiles - coaching management, Ulster Rugby, archived 19 May 2006
  14. ^ a b c d e f g "Celtic League 2005/06: Ulster", Irish Rugby, 2 September 2005
  15. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Caldwell 'will go all the way'", Belfast Telegraph, 24 August 2005
  16. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Head lands final Ulster berth", Belfast Telegraph, 15 September 2005
  17. ^ Gavin Mairs, "No fear for Ulster new boy Trimble", Belfast Telegraph, 19 August 2005
  18. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Young gun Ferris in line for Ulster call-up", Belfast Telegraph, 12 October 2005
  19. ^ "Humph out of Welsh clash", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2005
  20. ^ Chris McCann, "Seamus is in rugby heaven after move to 'Saints'", Derry Journal, 16 September 2005
  21. ^ Des Berry, "Whatever happened to the likely lads of '95?", Irish Independent, 27 November 2005
  22. ^ Gavin Mairs, "No Cup glory for retiring old order", Belfast Telegraph, 2 May 2005
  23. ^ Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
  24. ^ "Head in Ulster training camp call", BBC Sport, 3 August 2005
  25. ^ "Ulster Earn Bonus Point With Perfect Start", EPCR, 21 October 2005
  26. ^ "Ulster 27-0 Benetton Treviso", BBC Sport, 21 October 2005
  27. ^ "Biarritz Olympique v Ulster", EPCR, 29 October 2005
  28. ^ "Biarritz 33-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 29 October 2005
  29. ^ "Ulster v Saracens, EPCR, 9 December 2005
  30. ^ "Ulster 19-10 Saracens", BBC Sport, 9 December 2005
  31. ^ "Saracens Gain Revenge", EPCR, 17 December 2005
  32. ^ "Biarritz Break Ulster Home Run", EPCR, 13 January 2006
  33. ^ "Ulster Complete Pool Stage With Fine Win", EPCR, 21 January 2006
  34. ^ "Ulster end woeful away form with win", Pro12 Rugby, 7 September 2005
  35. ^ "Ulster go top as the Gunners stumble", Pro12 Rugby, 15 September 2005
  36. ^ "Ulster turn up the heat to douse Dragons", Pro12 Rugby, 20 September 2005
  37. ^ "Hickie try sinks Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 October 2005
  38. ^ "Ulster win to go top", Pro12 Rugby, 7 October 2005
  39. ^ "Ulster ease to comfortable win", Pro12 Rugby, 15 October 2005
  40. ^ "Ospreys end Ulster's home record", Pro12 Rugby, 4 November 2005
  41. ^ "Ulster hold on for win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 December 2005
  42. ^ "O'Driscoll returns in Leinster victory", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2005
  43. ^ "Connacht outshine lacklustre Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 31 December 2005
  44. ^ "Ulster edge out Glasgow Warriors", Pro12 Rugby, 7 January 2006
  45. ^ "Ulster cement top four spot", Pro12 Rugby, 27 January 2006
  46. ^ "Experienced Ulster take the points", Pro12 Rugby, 17 February 2006
  47. ^ "Bonus point win sees Ulster go top", Pro12 Rugby, 3 March 2006
  48. ^ "Ulster win takes them back to the top", Pro12 Rugby, 25 March 2006
  49. ^ "Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 15 April 2006
  50. ^ "Ulster maintain title push", Pro12 Rugby, 5 May 2006
  51. ^ "Ulster smash Reivers and go top", Pro12 Rugby, 12 May 2006
  52. ^ "Ulster denied glory at Stradey Park", Pro12 Rugby, 19 May 2006
  53. ^ "Humphreys drop snatches title for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 26 May 2006
  54. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Irish eyes smile as Irish let it slip", Belfast Telegraph, 20 August 2005
  55. ^ Richard Bullick "Mac is back with a bang", News Letter, 27 August 2005
  56. ^ Gavin Mairs, "Justin given a timely boost", Belfast Telegraph, 19 May 2006