Magners League

17 - 26

The End Of An Era

Ravenhill bade a fond farewell to one of its favourite sons last night. One of the biggest crowds of recent months turned out to say goodbye to the Humph in appreciation of ten years of dedication to Ulster and Ireland. During that time David steered Ulster to a Celtic Cup win in 2003, snatched the 2006 Celtic league championship with a last minute drop goal and of course he captained the team to that magnificent 1999 Heineken Cup win.

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Magners League

V

Humphreys to start against Cardiff

from UR.com
David Humphreys will start for his province tomorrow night at Ravenhill, in Ulster's last game of the season and Humphreys' last game of his professional career.

The Ulster and Ireland legend, has been plagued with injuries this season and after being picked for his final game remarked; "I am delighted to be playing tomorrow night at Ravenhill, it's great to get a final opportunity to play for Ulster and with the injuries I've suffered this season I didn't think it would happen. I'm really looking forward to running out one last time."

Ulster coach Matt Williams said; "David is an iconic figure in Ulster and Irish rugby and I hope the people of Ulster turn up to say thank you for a remarkable career."

With Ulster now qualified for the Heineken Cup next season, Matt Williams has made five changes to the starting line up, the backline remains the same apart from Wallace dropping to the bench to accommodate Humphreys.

Bryan Young starts at loose head with Justin Fitzpatrick named on the bench. Ryan Caldwell starts in the second row alongside Justin Harrison, who will be making his final appearance for Ulster before moving onto Bath. Stephen Ferris returns from injury to take his place as Blind Side Flanker with Matt McCullough dropping to be bench and Kieron Dawson starting at Open Side.

Ulster: (15-9) M Bartholomeusz; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, S Danielli; D Humphreys, I Boss; (1-8) B Young, R Best(Capt), T Court, J Harrison, R Caldwell, S Ferris, K Dawson, R Wilson
Replacements: (16-22) N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, M McCullough, N Best, P Marshall, P Wallace, M McCrea

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Magners League

24 - 35

Ulster lose against Weegies

Although a four try bonus was gained, Ulster lost by 11 points. The lineout functioned better, but through a combination of indiscipline, and individual errors, Glasgow were allowed back into the game, and ran out eventual winners.

Match Report

Magners League

V

Ulster team for Warriors

Matt Williams has made five changes to the starting line up and one positional switch ahead of the game on Saturday.

Justin Fitzpatrick is named at loose head replacing Bryan Young who is on the bench. Justin Harrison is named alongside Carlo Del Fava in the 2nd row, in what could be his last start for Ulster. The back row is all change with Neil Best replacing Kieron Dawson and Roger Wilson named at eight with Stephen Ferris unavailable due to an injury picked up on Wednesday evening.

Mark Bartholomeusz moves to full back as Bryn Cunningham fractured his cheek bone on Wednesday evening, Simon Danielli plays on the left wing,and the backline remains the same as the Munster game with Paddy and Isaac at half backs. Kieran Campbell is named on the bench on what could potentially be his last run out for his province before he moves to Magners League rivals Connacht.

Ulster: (15-9) M Bartholomeusz; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, S Danielli; P Wallace, I Boss; (1-8) J Fitzpatrick, R Best, T Court, C Del Fava, J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, R Wilson

Replacements: (16-22) N Brady, B Young, R Caldwell, K Dawson, K Campbell, N O'Connor, M McCrea

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Magners League

19 - 9

Ulster beat Munster

A well-deserved win for Ulster as they dominated the control of the game, and got three tries into the bargain. The game was by no means a classic, with the Ulster lineout in particular an area of concern. Ulster's defense however was immense, and their tries were moments of beauty.

Munster tried hard to take the game to Ulster, but a worthy preformance on the ulster line repelled attack after attack, and Ulster took the four points hopefully doing enough to secure their place in the HEC next season.

Match Report

Magners League

V

Ulster team for Munster

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Magners League

30 - 17

Blues win

An inexperienced Ulster side lose the first half, but win the 2nd. Cardiff dominated throughout the first, but Ulster showed more aggression in the 2nd half to make a strong comeback, but ultimately couldn't beat the deficit.

Caldwell was binned in the 2nd for going off his feet at the ruck, but Ulster showed more promise and a better determination, than Cardiff. If only they had shown the same earlier on.

Match Report

Magners League

V

Ulster team for Cardiff Blues

Matt Williams has made six changes to the starting line up that defeated Connacht at Ravenhill last week.

Nigel Brady replaces Best at hooker as Rory is injured. Kieron Dawson takes up the Captains Role Stuart Philpott is named on the bench alongside Neil Best who will act as back row cover for McCullough, Dawson and Wilson. Ryan Caldwell and Carlo Del Fava make up the second row with Justin Harrison named as a replacement.

Mark McCrea will make his first start at full back. Paddy Wallace is left out, and Scot Rob Dewey partnersh Andrew Trimble at centre. Isaac Boss is on the bench with Paul Marshall starting at scrum half. Ulster A centre Darren Cave is named on the bench alongside Paul Steinmetz.

Ulster: (15-9) M McCrea; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, M Bartholomeusz; N O'Connor, P Marshall; (1-8) J Fitzpatrick, N Brady, T Court, C Del Fava, R Caldwell, M McCullough, K Dawson, R Wilson

Replacements: (16-22) S Philpott, B Young, J Harrison, N Best, I Boss, P Steinmetz, D Cave

Referee: Andrew Macpherson (Scotland) 3 away yellow cards in 5 matches no home cards.
Touch Judges: Gwyn Morris (Wales), Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Tony Rowlands (Wales)

Magners League

18 - 6

Ulster slog out a win

A poor game by both sides, beginning in appalling conditions. Connacht dominated in the 1st half, although their dismal penalty kicks helped keep Ulster in the game. 2 yellow cards in the 1st half, Ferris for us and Morris for Connacht, made no difference, but the boot of Niall O'Connor helped Ulster stay in touch at half-time 3 - 3.

2 trys by Ulster in the 2nd half put the game safe, and Ulster moved 8 points ahead in the table. The game was by no means a classic, but a win's a win.

Match Report

	Ulster Rugby News
Springbok Botha Ulster bound? Speculation lately by fans and in the newspapers show all the indications that Ulster will officially announce that the Sharks' powerhouse tight-head prop BJ Botha is Ravenhill bound once it has been ratified by the IRFU. B J Botha Early reports that his pet dogs have had applications for quarantine into the country prompted speculation that he was on his way. Former Aussie Rugby League star Clinton Schifcofske and lock Ed O'Donoghueis have also been tempted to move from the Queensland Reds. Another back row for the Stormers, number eight Robbie Diack will also potentially make the trip to Ravenhill. Sources in Australia and South Africa have supposedly confirmed that all three are believed to have been offered two-year contracts. Yet to find a top class wing, a scrum-half and possibly a back five player, Matt Williams squad is begining to shape up. ULSTER Squad for 2008/09: Loosehead props: B Young, J Fitzpatrick, J Carey. Tighthead props: BJ Botha, T Court, D Fitzpatrick. Hookers: R Best, N Brady, N Hanna Locks: C Del Fava, R Caldwell, M McCullough, E O'Donoghue. Back row: K Dawson, S Ferris, D Pollock, R Diak, C Henry, AN Other. Scrum-half: I Boss, P Marshall, AN Other; Out-half: N O'Connor, I Humphreys, Centres: A Trimble, P Wallace, R Dewey, P Steinmetz, D Cave. Wings: S Danielli, M McCrea, P McKenzie, AN Other. Full-backs: B Cunningham, C Schifcokske. Read more

	Ulster Rugby News
Tom Court re-signs Ulster signed Tom Court on a two year deal at the start of the 2006/07 season and last week confirmed that the former shot putter would be staying put here in Ulster as he agreed another 2 year contract. Tom Court The quietly spoken Australian who is Irish qualified has settled into life in Belfast well and is delighted with the news that his contract has been extended, "I am very pleased, over the moon really. My wife and I are really happy to be staying around for another two years, we are looking forward to spending more time in Northern Ireland and have settled in well to Ulster life. I am also really enjoying my rugby and hope that we can continue to improve under Matt and Steve"

	Ulster Rugby News
UR unveil design of new stand Ulster Rugby has officially unveiled the detail of the first phase of an ambitious re-development plan for its Ravenhill Grounds. The New Stand The redevelopment project at Ravenhill is based on four phases, the first two of which received the green-light from the Planning Authorities before Christmas. “It’s imperative that we improve the facilities at Ravenhill” said CEO Michael Reid, “in the past 6-12 months the business of rugby has changed rapidly, and an investment in our facilities is absolutely vital if we are to cement our position and compete” The first phase of the redevelopment programme, which is to build a new stand on the terrace side of the ground, has been officially unveilled today to the public, following a soft-launch to partners and sponsors at the end of March. “The Friday night feeling at Ravenhill is no longer something new to our seasoned supporters and if we want to retain them, as well as benefit from what the corporate market can offer us then upgrading the facilities within the ground is key.” View Images Read more

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