2004–05 Ulster Rugby season

Rugby team

Ground(s)

Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)

Coach(es)

Mark McCall

Captain(s)

Andy Ward

Top scorer

David Humphreys (145)

Most tries

Tommy Bowe (9)

League(s)

Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (8th)
Celtic Cup (quarter-finalists)

← 2003–04

2005–06 →

The 2004–05 season was Ulster Rugby's tenth under professionalism, and their first under head coach Mark McCall. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the Celtic League and the Celtic Cup.

Former head coach Alan Solomons and forwards coach Adrian Kennedy left at the end of the previous season to join Northampton Saints. Backs coach Mark McCall was named as the new head coach, with Allen Clarke as his assistant. Maurice Field replaced Clarke as head of the academy.

In the Celtic League, they finished eighth. Tommy Bowe was the league's second top try scorer with eight. In the Heineken Cup, they finished third in Pool 6, failing to qualify for the knockout stage. They went out of the Celtic Cup in the quarter-finals, losing to Neath-Swansea Ospreys. Neil Best was Ulster's Player of the Year. Kieran Campbell won the IRUPA award for Try of the Year.

Squad

Senior squad

Players in

Rory Best from Belfast Harlequins
Gary Brown from Belfast Harlequins
Campbell Feather from Border Reivers
Declan Fitzpatrick from Belfast Harlequins
Andrew Kershaw from Saracens
Kevin Maggs from Bath
Gavin Pfister from Pertemps Bees

Players out

Clem Boyd (retired)
Warren Brosnihan (released)
Ryan Constable (retired)
Robbi Kempson to Northampton
Andrew Kershaw to Leeds Tykes
Tony McWhirter (retired)
Matt Sexton (retired)

Ulster Rugby squad
Props Rod Moore (24 apps, 21 starts) Simon Best (20 apps, 19 starts, 5 pts) Ronan McCormack (23 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) Bryan Young (4 apps) Declan Fitzpatrick Andrew Kershaw Simon Shawe Hookers Paul Shields (23 apps, 19 starts) Nigel Brady (10 apps, 3 starts) Rory Best (9 apps, 5 starts) Locks Matt McCullough (26 apps, 25 starts, 5 pts) Gary Longwell (21 apps, 19 starts) Rowan Frost* (23 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) Matt Mustchin (7 apps, 4 starts) Tim Barker (2 apps)	Back row Neil Best (22 apps, 22 starts, 5 pts) Roger Wilson (22 apps, 20 starts, 5 pts) Campbell Feather (26 apps, 17 starts, 15 pts) Andy Ward (c) (17 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts) Gavin Pfister (6 apps, 4 starts) Gary Brown (4 apps, 1 starts) Neil McMillan (1 apps, 1 starts) Scrum-halves Kieran Campbell (24 apps, 21 starts, 5pts) Neil Doak (14 apps, 6 starts) Reece Spee* (1 app) Fly-halves David Humphreys (16 apps, 16 starts, 145 pts) Paddy Wallace (12 apps, 6 starts, 24 pts) Adam Larkin (9 apps, 6 starts, 54 pts)	Centres Paul Steinmetz (26 apps, 24 starts, 45 pts) Kevin Maggs (21 apps, 21 starts, 15 pts) Jonny Bell (13 apps, 11 starts, 5 pts) Seamus Mallon (3 apps, 1 starts) Shane Stewart Wings Tommy Bowe (26 apps, 25 starts, 40 pts) Tyrone Howe (17 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts) Andy Maxwell (14 apps, 9 starts, 15 pts) Scott Young (9 apps, 6 starts) James Topping Fullbacks Bryn Cunningham (26 apps, 25 starts, 25 pts)

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

Ulster Rugby squad

Props

Rod Moore (24 apps, 21 starts)
Simon Best (20 apps, 19 starts, 5 pts)
Ronan McCormack (23 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts)
Bryan Young (4 apps)
Declan Fitzpatrick
Andrew Kershaw
Simon Shawe

Hookers

Paul Shields (23 apps, 19 starts)
Nigel Brady (10 apps, 3 starts)
Rory Best (9 apps, 5 starts)

Locks

Matt McCullough (26 apps, 25 starts, 5 pts)
Gary Longwell (21 apps, 19 starts)
Rowan Frost* (23 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts)
Matt Mustchin (7 apps, 4 starts)
Tim Barker (2 apps)

Back row

Neil Best (22 apps, 22 starts, 5 pts)
Roger Wilson (22 apps, 20 starts, 5 pts)
Campbell Feather (26 apps, 17 starts, 15 pts)
Andy Ward (c) (17 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts)
Gavin Pfister (6 apps, 4 starts)
Gary Brown (4 apps, 1 starts)
Neil McMillan (1 apps, 1 starts)

Scrum-halves

Kieran Campbell (24 apps, 21 starts, 5pts)
Neil Doak (14 apps, 6 starts)
Reece Spee* (1 app)

Fly-halves

David Humphreys (16 apps, 16 starts, 145 pts)
Paddy Wallace (12 apps, 6 starts, 24 pts)
Adam Larkin (9 apps, 6 starts, 54 pts)

Centres

Paul Steinmetz (26 apps, 24 starts, 45 pts)
Kevin Maggs (21 apps, 21 starts, 15 pts)
Jonny Bell (13 apps, 11 starts, 5 pts)
Seamus Mallon (3 apps, 1 starts)
Shane Stewart

Wings

Tommy Bowe (26 apps, 25 starts, 40 pts)
Tyrone Howe (17 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts)
Andy Maxwell (14 apps, 9 starts, 15 pts)
Scott Young (9 apps, 6 starts)
James Topping

Fullbacks

Bryn Cunningham (26 apps, 25 starts, 25 pts)

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

Academy squad

Academy squad
Staff Joe Miles - chairman Allen Clarke - director Maurice Field - manager Roger Kennedy - strength and conditioning Michael Webb - doctor Phil Glasgow - physiotheraprist	Players Glenn Telford Gareth Steenson Gary Maxwell Niall Conlon John Andress Lewis Stevenson Chris Henry Oisin Hennessy Stephen Ferris Stuart McGaw Thomas Horner Glen Moore Mark Scott Jamie McGrugan Blair Clements Paul McKenzie

Staff

Joe Miles - chairman
Allen Clarke - director
Maurice Field - manager
Roger Kennedy - strength and conditioning
Michael Webb - doctor
Phil Glasgow - physiotheraprist

Players

Glenn Telford
Gareth Steenson
Gary Maxwell
Niall Conlon
John Andress
Lewis Stevenson
Chris Henry
Oisin Hennessy
Stephen Ferris
Stuart McGaw
Thomas Horner
Glen Moore
Mark Scott
Jamie McGrugan
Blair Clements
Paul McKenzie

2004–05 Heineken Cup

Main article: 2004–05 Heineken Cup

Pool 6

Team	P	W	L	Tries for	Tries against	Try diff	Points for	Points against	Points diff	TB	LB	Pts
Stade Français (3)	6	5	1	20	9	11	179	90	89	3	0	23
Gloucester	6	3	3	14	12	2	144	128	16	1	1	14
Ulster	6	3	3	5	13	−8	88	139	−51	0	1	13
Cardiff Blues	6	1	5	8	13	−5	98	152	−54	0	3	7

22 October 2004 19:30	Ulster	21 – 16	Cardiff Blues	Ravenhill
	Pen: Humphreys (5) Drop: Humphreys (2)	Report	Try: Shanklin Con: Thomas Pen: Thomas (2) Drop: Thomas	Attendance: 9,600 Referee: Joël Jutge
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Rod Moore (for McCormack), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Roger Wilson (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell.				Attendance: 9,600 Referee: Joël Jutge

30 October 2004 15:00	Gloucester	55 – 13	Ulster	Kingsholm
	Try: MacRae Goodridge Bezuidenhout Simpson-Daniel Garvey Balding Con: Paul (5) Pen: Paul (4) Drop: Paul	Report	Try: Humphreys Con: Humphreys (1) Pen: Humphreys (2)	Attendance: 12,467 Referee: Eric Darriere
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Adam Larkin.				Attendance: 12,467 Referee: Eric Darriere

4 December 2004 14:00	Stade Français	30 – 10	Ulster	Stade Jean-Bouin
	Try: Blin Sowerby Bergamasco Con: Skrela (3) Pen: Skrela (3)	Report	Try: Bowe Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys	Attendance: 11,628
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields 68), 17. Bryan Young, 18. Gary Longwell (for Frost 40), 19. Tim Barker, 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell 75), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Bell 67).				Attendance: 11,628

11 December 2004 13:00	Ulster	18 – 10	Stade Français	Ravenhill
	Try: Campbell Humphreys Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys Drop: Humphreys	Report	Try: Hernández Con: Skrela Drop: Skrela	Attendance: 7,320 Referee: Nigel Williams
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack 80), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 80), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for S. Young 27).				Attendance: 7,320 Referee: Nigel Williams

7 January 2005 19:30	Ulster	14 – 12	Gloucester	Ravenhill
	Try: Cunningham Pen: Humphreys (3)	Report	Pen: Paul (3) Drop: Amor	Attendance: 11,435 Referee: Nigel Whitehouse
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best 57), 17. Neil McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 66), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather 62), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Paddy Wallace (for Howe 70).				Attendance: 11,435 Referee: Nigel Whitehouse

16 January 2005 17:15	Cardiff Blues	16 – 12	Ulster	Cardiff Arms Park
	Try: Vaughton 48' Thomas 71' Pen: Macleod (2) 4', 22'	Report	Pen: Humphreys (2) 6', 42' Larkin (2) 57', 78'	Attendance: 3,962
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Paddy Wallace. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields 56), 17. Rod Moore (for Ward 14-23), 18. Matt Mustchin (for Frost 74), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward 55), 20. Reece Spee (for Campbell 76), 21. Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 50), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 65).				Attendance: 3,962

2004-05 Celtic League

Main article: 2004–05 Celtic League

	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	Try bonus	Losing bonus	Pts
1	Neath-Swansea Ospreys	20	16	1	3	508	267	+241	53	27	7	3	76
2	Munster	20	15	1	4	470	331	+139	54	33	6	1	69
3	Leinster	20	12	1	7	455	350	+105	46	32	4	3	57
4	Newport Gwent Dragons	20	11	0	9	381	436	−55	39	43	4	2	50
5	Llanelli Scarlets	20	9	0	11	402	446	−44	48	42	7	3	46
6	Glasgow Warriors	20	8	1	11	465	466	−1	40	58	4	7	45
7	Edinburgh	20	9	0	11	409	407	+2	47	40	4	4	44
8	Ulster	20	9	0	11	363	387	−24	37	34	2	5	43
9	Cardiff Blues	20	8	1	11	350	404	−54	35	41	2	4	40
10	Connacht	20	7	1	12	317	407	−90	32	46	2	5	37
11	Borders	20	3	0	17	337	556	−219	31	66	2	4	18
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 22 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine

4 September 2004	Edinburgh	16–17	Ulster	Murrayfield
14:30	Try: Blackadder Con: Paterson Pen: Paterson (3)	Report	Try: Maxwell Pen: Wallace (2) Drop: Steinmetz Wallace	Attendance: 2,609
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack), 18. Gary Longwell (for Frost), 19. Gary Brown (for Feather), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Seamus Mallon, 22. Scott Young (for Maxwell).				Attendance: 2,609

11 September 2004	Ulster	15–26	Leinster	Ravenhill
17:15	Try: Cunningham Maxwell Con: Wallace Pen: Wallace	Report	Try: Warner Gissing O'Riordan Con: O'Meara Pen: O'Meara McAllister (2)	Attendance: 6,100 Referee: Nigel Williams
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Matt McCullough (for Frost), 19. Campbell Feather (for Wilson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Seamus Mallon (for Bell), 22. Scott Young (for Cunningham).				Attendance: 6,100 Referee: Nigel Williams

18 September 2004	Connacht	13–19	Ulster	Sportsground
14:30	Try: O'Loughlin Con: Warwick Pen: Warwick (2)	Report	Try: Bowe Bell Pen: Humphreys (3)	Attendance: 1,300
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormack (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), 19. Campbell Feather (for N. Best), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Paul Steinmetz.				Attendance: 1,300

25 September 2004	Ulster	24–37	Neath-Swansea Ospreys	Ravenhill
17:15	Try: Maggs Cunningham Feather Con: Humphreys (3) Pen: Humphreys	Report	Try: Williams Tiueti Parker Bishop Con: Henson (4) Pen: Henson (2) Drop: Henson	Attendance: 5,638
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Kevin Maggs, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Mustchin), 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell).				Attendance: 5,638

8 October 2004	Ulster	21–28	Newport Gwent Dragons	Ravenhill
19:05	Try: McCormack N. Best Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (3)	Report	Try: Morgan Black Brew Con: Sweeney (2) Pen: Sweeney (3)	Attendance: 8,145
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost, 19. Matt Mustchin (for Wilson), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell (for Steinmetz).				Attendance: 8,145

16 October 2004	Glasgow Warriors	34–20	Ulster	Hughenden
19:15	Try: Tkachuk Parks (2) Morrison Con: Parks (4) Pen: Parks (2)	Report	Try: Bowe Howe Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (2)	Attendance: 3,469
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Gary Brown, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for Brady), 17. Rod Moore (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Matt Mustchin (for Brown), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Jonny Bell (for Steinmetz).				Attendance: 3,469

6 November 2004	Ulster	3–24	Munster	Ravenhill
17:15	Pen: Larkin	Report	Try: Payne Lawler Con: Burke Pen: Burke (4)	Attendance: 6,402
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Ronan McCormick (for Moore), 18. Gary Longwell, 19. Gary Brown (for Feather), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Doak), 21. Seamus Mallon (for Bell), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe).				Attendance: 6,402

12 November 2004	Borders	19–20	Ulster	Netherdale
19:30	Try: Weston Con: Warnock Pen: Warnock (3) Hore	Report	Try: Cunningham Steinmetz Con: Larkin (2) Pen: Larkin (2)	Attendance: 1,500
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Andy Maxwell, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Ronan McCormick, 18. Gary Longwell, 19. Gary Brown (for Ward), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Scott Young, 22. Tommy Bowe (for Howe).				Attendance: 1,500

19 November 2004	Ulster	30–14	Cardiff Blues	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Feather McCullough Maxwell Pen: Larkin (5)	Report	Try: Thomas Pen: Thomas (3)	Attendance: 5,705
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Scott Young, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young, 18. Gary Brown, 19. Gavin Pfister (for N. Best), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Seamus Mallon, 22. Andrew Trimble.				Attendance: 5,705

28 November 2004	Llanelli Scarlets	22–9	Ulster	Stradey Park
18:00	Try: John Con: Bowen Pen: Bowen (5)	Report	Pen: Larkin (3)	Attendance: 5,334
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Campbell Feather, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Jonny Bell, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for McCormack), 18. Roger Wilson (for Longwell), 19. Gavin Pfister, 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Scott Young (for Bell), 22. Tyrone Howe (for Maxwell).				Attendance: 5,334

17 December 2004	Ulster	36–34	Edinburgh	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Maggs Bowe Steinmetz Frost Con: Steinmetz (2) Pen: Humphreys (3) Steinmetz	Report	Try: Lee Hogg Callam Boston Con: Laney (4) Pen: Laney (2)	Attendance: 5,858
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields), 17. Simon Best (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Pfister), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Andy Maxwell.				Attendance: 5,858

27 December 2004	Leinster	9–8	Ulster	Donnybrook
17:05	Pen: Contepomi (3)	Report	Try: Howe Pen: Larkin	Attendance: 5,500 Referee: Alain Rolland
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Ronan McCormack (for S. Best), 18. Rowan Frost (for N. Best), 19. Matt Mustchin, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Jonny Bell.				Attendance: 5,500 Referee: Alain Rolland

1 January 2005	Ulster	23–14	Connacht	Ravenhill
16:00	Try: Bowe Steinmetz Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (3)	Report	Try: Jackman Pen: Warwick	Attendance: 7,900 Referee: David Keane
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Simon Shawe, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Jonny Bell.				Attendance: 7,900 Referee: David Keane

21 January 2005	Neath-Swansea Ospreys	22–21	Ulster	St Helen's
19:05	Try: Henson Con: Henson Pen: Henson (5)	Report	Try: Bowe Maxwell Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (3)	Attendance: 4,142
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Andy Maxwell, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields, 17. Simon Shawe, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Shane Stewart.				Attendance: 4,142

18 February 2005	Newport Gwent Dragons	13–11	Ulster	Rodney Parade
19:05	Try: Forster Con: Warlow Pen: Montgomery	Report	Try: Cunningham Pen: Humphreys Drop: Humphreys	Attendance: 4,452 Referee: Andy Ireland
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Paul Shields (for R. Best), 17. Ronan McCormick (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Gavin Pfister (for Feather), 20. Reece Spee, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Scott Young.				Attendance: 4,452 Referee: Andy Ireland

4 March 2005	Ulster	30–3	Glasgow Warriors	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Maggs Bowe Howe S. Best Con: Larkin Wallace Pen: Larkin (2)	Report		Attendance: 6,215 Referee: Nigel Owens
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Campbell Feather, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Tim Barker (for Longwell), 19. Andy Ward (for Feather), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace (for Larkin), 22. Scott Young.				Attendance: 6,215 Referee: Nigel Owens

18 March 2005	Munster	21–15	Ulster	Musgrave Park
19:00	Try: D. Wallace Kelly Con: Burke Pen: Burke (3)	Report	Try: Bowe Wilson Con: P. Wallace Drop: P. Wallace	Attendance: 5,870 Referee: Andy Ireland
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young, 15. Tommy Bowe. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for Shields), 17. Bryan Young (for Moore), 18. Tim Barker, 19. Campbell Feather (for Ward), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Shane Stewart.				Attendance: 5,870 Referee: Andy Ireland

25 March 2005	Ulster	17–13	Borders	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Ward Feather Con: Steinmetz (2) Pen: Humphreys	Report	Try: Cusiter Con: Hore Pen: Hore Drop: Warnock	Attendance: 7,017 Referee: Phil Fear
Ulster lineup: 1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rod Moore, 18. Tim Barker (for McCullough), 19. Campbell Feather (for N. Best), 20. Neil Doak, 21. Paddy Wallace, 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe).				Attendance: 7,017 Referee: Phil Fear

8 April 2005	Cardiff Blues	22–8	Ulster	Cardiff Arms Park
19:10	Try: Shanklin Quinnell Sowden-Taylor Con: Macleod (2) Pen: Macleod	Report	Try: Bowe Pen: Wallace	Attendance: 5,600 Referee: David Changleng
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Rowan McCormack (for Moore), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather, 20. Neil Doak, 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Andy Maxwell (for S. Young).				Attendance: 5,600 Referee: David Changleng

15 April 2005	Ulster	16–3	Llanelli Scarlets	Ravenhill
19:05	Try: Steinmetz Con: Steinmetz Pen: Steinmetz (3)	Report	Pen: Bowen	Attendance: 7,948 Referee: Andy Ireland
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best, 17. Rowan McCormack, 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell), 19. Campbell Feather (for Pfister), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin (for Wallace), 22. Andy Maxwell (for S. Young).				Attendance: 7,948 Referee: Andy Ireland

Celtic Cup

Main article: Celtic Cup (rugby union)

Quarter-final

22 April 2005	Neath-Swansea Ospreys	23-16	Ulster	Swansea
	Try: Terblanche Jones Con: Jones (2) Pen: Jones (3)	Report	Try: Penalty try Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (2)	Attendance: 8,273 Referee: Andrew Ireland
Ulster lineup: 1. Simon Best, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore, 4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Andy Ward, 7. Gavin Pfister, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Kevin Maggs, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Shields 73), 17. Ronan McCormack (for Moore, 67), 18. Rowan Frost (for Longwell 49), 19. Campbell Feather (for Pfister 56), 20. Neil Doak (for Campbell 66), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 60), 22. Andy Maxwell (for Howe 52).				Attendance: 8,273 Referee: Andrew Ireland

Home attendance

League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	Total Attendance	Average Attendance
Domestic League					European Cup					Total
2004–05 Celtic League	10	6,693	8,145	5,638	2004–05 Heineken Cup	3	9,452	11,435	7,320	95,283	7,330

Friendlies

13 August 2004	Rotherham Titans	C-C	Ulster	Don Valley Stadium
		Report

20 August 2004	Ulster Rugby	19-26	Harlequins	Don Valley Stadium
	Try: N. Best Maxwell Ward Con: Wallace (2)	Report	Try: Jones So'oialo Reay Sherriff Con: Dunne (2) Staunton	Attendance: 6,100 Referee: Alain Rolland

28 August 2004	Newport Gwent Dragons	30-7	Ulster	Rodney Parade
	Try: Black Bryant Anthony Winn Con: Sweeney (2) Pen: Sweeney (2)	Report	Try: Maxwell Con: Wallace

Ulster Rugby Awards

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 12 May 2005. Winners were:

Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Neil Best
Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Tommy Bowe
Club Ulster Supporters Player of the Year: Kieran Campbell
Kukri Schools Player of the Year: David Pollock, Royal School Dungannon
First Trust Bank Club of the Year: Ballymena RFC
Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: Nigel Newell, Ballynahinch RFC
Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Brian Reid, Coleraine RFC
Northern Bank Coach of the Year: Gerald McCarter, City of Derry R.F.C., Ulster U21s
Downtown Radio Club/PRO Media Liaison Officer of the Year: Joan Beatty, Enniskillen
Belfast Telegraph Club Team of the Year: Ballymena RFC 2nd XV
The Botanic Inns Merit Award: Suzanne Flemming

References

"Solomons Leaving Ulster", Irish Rugby, 16 February 2004
"McCall gets call to coach Ulster", The Irish Times, 23 March 2004
"Clarke named assistant coach at Ulster", ESPN, 8 April 2004
Gavin Mairs, "Sweet 16 move into Ulster academy", Belfast Telegraph, 12 August 2004
Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022
"O'Connor takes top award", Evening Herald, 5 May 2005
"An Ulster win is now Brown's business", Belfast Telegraph, 15 October 2004
"Feather is surprise choice to lead Ulster", RTÉ Sport, 18 November 2004
"Ulster sign Kevin Maggs", Irish Examiner, 3 July 2004
"Pfister signs for Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 November 2004
"Clem Boyd To Retire", Irish Rugby, 4 November 2003
^ Gavin Mairs, "McCall's French connection", Belfast Telegraph, 22 April 2004
"Ulster lose Constable", ESPN, 4 February 2004
"Kershaw joins Leeds on loan", ESPN, 24 February 2005
"McWhirter out and Clarke in", Belfast Telegraph, 9 April 2004
"Saintly Solomons leaves legacy", BBC Sport, 16 February 2004
"Profiles - 1st XV", Ulster Rugby, archived 6 March 2005
"Ulster's academy takes off", BBC Sport, 12 August 2004
"Ulster 21-16 Blues", BBC Sport, 22 October 2004
"Gloucester 55-13 Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 October 2004
"Stade Francais 30-10 Ulster", BBC Sport, 4 December 2004
"Ulster lose set-pieces and momentum", The Irish Times, 6 December 2004
"Ulster 18-10 Stade Francais", BBC Sport, 11 December 2004
"Humphreys strikes to lift gloom for Ulster", Irish Independent, 12 December 2004
"Ulster 14-12 Gloucester", BBC Sport 7 January 2005
Robert Kitson, "Gloucester lose their foothold in Belfast bog", The Guardian, 8 January 2005
"Cardiff Blues v Ulster", EPCR, 16 January 2005
"Blues 16-12 Ulster", BBC Sport, 16 January 2005
Match Report, Pro12 Rugby, 4 September 2004
"Leinster End Ulster Home Record", Pro12 Rugby, 11 September 2004
"Ulster Return To Winning Ways", Pro12 Rugby, 18 September 2004
"Ospreys Sink Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 25 September 2004
"Dragons Move Up As Ulster Suffer Another Home Defeat", Pro12 Rugby, 8 October 2004
"Parks To The Fore As Ulster Fail Again", Pro12 Rugby, 4 November 2004
"More Ravenhill misery for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 November 2004
"Late fight back not enough for Borders", Pro12 Rugby, 12 NOvember 2004
"Ulster back to winning ways at home", Pro12 Rugby, 19 November 2004
"Scarlets ease the pressure with comfortable win", Pro12 Rugby, 28 November 2004
"Match report", Pro12 Rugby, 17 December 2004
"Contepomi secures the points for Leinster", Pro12 Rugby, 27 December 2004
"Ulster narrow the gap on Connacht", Pro12 Rigby, 1 January 2005
"Henson the hero for Ospreys", Pro12 Rugby, 21 January 2005
"Montgomery penalty sees Dragons scrape win over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 18 February 2005
"Second half surge sees Ulster home", Pro12 Rugby, 4 March 2005
"Munster keep title hopes alive", Pro12 Rugby, 18 March 2005
"Ulster see off battling Borders", Pro12 Rugby, 25 March 2005
"Blues miss out on vital bonus point", Pro12 Rugby, 8 April 2005
"Ulster keep Cup hopes alive", Pro12 Rugby, 15 April 2005
"Ospreys 23-16 Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 April 2005
"Celtic Cup: Ulster Effort Not Enough In Swansea", Irish Rugby, 1 May 2005
Gavin Mairs, "How Ulster were left high and dry by Rotherlam face", Belfast Telegraph, 14 August 2004
Gavin Mairs, "Ulster boys not quite ready for big league", Belfast Telegraph, 21 August 2004
Steven Neill, "Ulster roasted by Dragons", Sunday Life, 29 August 2004
Gavin Mairs, "Bowe bags the top Ulster rugby gong", Belfast Telegraph, 13 May 2005

Ulster Rugby

Staff

Stadium

Ravenhill Stadium

Competitions

Seasons

1995–96
1996–97
1997–98
1998–99
1999–2000
2000–01
2001–02
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2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
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2014–15
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2016–17
2017–18
2018–19
2019–20
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2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
2024–25

Matches

Heineken Cup finals	1999 2012
URC finals	2013 2020
Ulster Ravens/Ulster A	British and Irish Cup (2009-18) Celtic Cup (2018-19) Cara Cup (2019)
See also	Matches with Connacht Matches with Leinster Matches with Munster

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