2007–08 Ulster Rugby season

2007–08 Ulster Rugby season

David Humphreys vs Cardiff Blues, Ravenhill, 9 May 2008
Ground(s)	Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)	Mark McCall Steve Williams Matt Williams
Captain(s)	Rory Best
Top scorer	Paddy Wallace (79)
Most tries	Tommy Bowe (8)
League(s)	Heineken Cup (4th in pool) Celtic League (9th)
1st kit 2nd kit
← 2006–07 2008–09 →

The 2007–08 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 14th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their fourth under head coach Mark McCall. They competed in the Heineken Cup and the Celtic League

Steve Williams joined as assistant coach at the beginning of the season,^[1] replacing Allen Clarke, who had left to become the manager of the IRFU's elite player programme.^[2] After a poor run of results, Mark McCall resigned as head coach in November 2007. Steve Williams took over on an interim basis,^[3] and Matt Williams was appointed as McCall's permanent replacement in December.^[4] Ulster finished bottom of their pool in the Heineken Cup, and second from bottom in the Celtic League. Tommy Bowe was Ulster's Player of the Year, and IRUPA Players' Player of the Year. David Humphreys, who retired at the end of the season, was inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame.^[5]

Staff

Position	Name[6]	Nationality
Head coach (to 13 Nov 2007)	Mark McCall	Ireland
Assistant coach (to 13 November 2007) Caretaker coach (13 Nov-30 Dec 2007)	Steve Williams	Wales
Head coach (from 30 Dec 2007)	Matt Williams	Australia
Assistant coach	Neil Kelly	England
Fitness coach	Philip Morrow	Ireland
Team physiotherapist	Gareth Robinson	Ireland
Fitness coach	Jonny Davis	Ireland
Team doctor	David Irwin	Ireland
Team Manager	David Millar	Ireland
Video analyst	Simon McGookin	Ireland

Squad

Senior squad

Players in (Season 2007/2008) Jarlath Carey from Rotherham Titans[1] Simon Danielli from Border Reivers[7] Carlo Del Fava from Bourgoin[1] Rob Dewey from Edinburgh[8] Kieran Hallett from Bedford Blues[9] Neil Hanna from Rotherham Titans[10] Seamus Mallon from Northampton Saints[1] Matt Miles from Pertemps Bees[11] Grant Webb from Toyota Verblitz[12] Promoted from academy Darren Cave Niall O'Connor David Pollock

Players Out (Season 2007/2008) John Andress to Exeter Chiefs[13] Sam Harding released Kevin Maggs to Bristol Rugby[14] Andy Maxwell to Edinburgh[15] Paul Shields to Northampton Saints[16] Lewis Stevenson to Exeter Chiefs[17] Scott Young to Doncaster Knights[18]

Ulster Rugby squad[19]
Props Justin Fitzpatrick (21 apps, 16 starts) Bryan Young (21 apps, 15 starts) Tom Court (14 apps, 11 starts, 10 pts) Declan Fitzpatrick (12 apps, 6 starts) Simon Best (no apps) Jarlath Carey (no apps) Niall Conlon (no apps) Hookers Rory Best (19 apps, 17 starts, 5 pts) Nigel Brady (13 apps, 7 starts) Matt Miles (1 app) Stuart Philpott (1 app) Neil Hanna (no apps) Locks Matt McCullough (22 apps, 19 starts, 15 pts) Justin Harrison (21 apps, 16 starts) Ryan Caldwell (22 apps, 15 starts, 15 pts) Carlo Del Fava (19 apps, 12 starts, 5 pts) Tim Barker (4 apps, 2 starts)	Back row Neil Best (19 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) Kieron Dawson (17 apps, 13 starts, 15 pts) Roger Wilson (15 apps, 10 starts, 10 pts) Stephen Ferris (10 apps, 10 starts) David Pollock (12 apps, 6 starts) Grant Webb (4 apps, 2 starts) Neil McMillan (3 apps, 1 start) Chris Henry (no apps) Scrum-halves Isaac Boss (20 apps, 17 starts, 20 pts) Paul Marshall (9 apps, 5 starts, 5 pts) Kieran Campbell (10 apps, 3 starts) Fly-halves Niall O'Connor (16 apps, 10 starts, 61 pts) David Humphreys (6 apps, 3 starts, 27 pts) Kieran Hallett (1 app)	Centres Andrew Trimble (18 apps, 18 starts, 20 pts) Paddy Wallace (19 apps, 15 starts, 79 pts) Rob Dewey (14 apps, 9 starts, 5 pts) Paul Steinmetz (8 apps, 7 starts) Seamus Mallon (4 apps, 3 starts) Darren Cave (2 apps, 1 start) Adam Larkin (1 app) Wings Tommy Bowe (23 apps, 23 starts, 40 pts) Mark Bartholomeusz (19 apps, 15 starts, 5 pts) Simon Danielli (15 apps, 15 starts, 30 pts) Mark McCrea (13 apps, 10 starts) Paul McKenzie (no apps) Fullbacks Bryn Cunningham (16 apps, 14 starts, 5 pts) Mark Kettyle (no apps)
(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

Players in Tommy Seymour James Sandford Ian Porter Chris Cochrane Jamie Smith Ian Whitten Paul Karayiannis Pat Steenkamp Sam McDonald Chris Quinn

Players out Michael Ferguson Phil Coulter Stuart Megaw Richard Fegan Dale Black

Academy squad[20]
Props Paul Karayiannis (1) Neil Simpson (2) Pat Steenkamp (1) Hookers Stephen Douglas (2) Locks Sam McDonald (1) James Sandford (1)	Back row T. J. Anderson (2) Willie Faloon (2) Mark Robinson (2) Scrum-halves David Drake (2) Ian Porter (1) Fly-halves none	Centres Ian Whitten (1) Wings Chris Cochrane (1) Mark McCrea (2) Chris Quinn (1) Tommy Seymour (1) Fullbacks Owen McMurray (2) Jamie Smith (1)

Heineken Cup

Main article: 2007–08 Heineken Cup

Pool 2

Team	P	W	D	L	Tries for	Tries against	Try diff	Points for	Points against	Points diff	TB	LB	Pts
Gloucester (3)	6	5	0	1	24	13	+11	184	119	+65	4	0	24
Ospreys (8)	6	5	0	1	16	9	+7	164	102	+62	1	0	21
Bourgoin	6	1	0	5	12	19	−7	118	174	−56	1	3	8
Ulster	6	1	0	5	13	24	−11	102	173	−71	0	1	5

9 November 2007	Ulster	14–32	Gloucester	Ravenhill, Belfast
20:00	Tries: McCullough 29' c Wallace 40' c Con: Wallace (2)	Report[21]	Tries: Vainikolo 7' m Tindall 9' m Lamb 18' c Simpson-Daniel 22' m Balshaw 26' c Con: Lamb (2) Pen: Lamb 67'	Attendance: 13,000 Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Harrison), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. David Humphreys (for Dewey), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

16 November 2007	Bourgoin	24–17	Ulster	Stade Pierre Rajon, Bourgoin-Jallieu
21:00	Tries: Tchougong 56' c Coux 64' m Con: Boyet Pen: Boyet 15', 28', 39', 80+4'	Report[22]	Tries: Dawson 12' c Danielli 23' c Con: Wallace (2) Pen: Wallace 31'	Attendance: 6,000 Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Rob Dewey.

7 December 2007	Ospreys	48–17	Ulster	Liberty Stadium, Swansea
20:00	Tries: Parker 4' m Marshall 19' c A. W. Jones 44' c Tiatia 46' c Walker (2) 64' c, 80+3' c Byrne 72' m Con: Hook (5) Pen: Hook 12'	Report[23]	Tries: Boss 52' c Danielli 68' c Con: Wallace (2) Pen: Wallace 21'	Attendance: 8,082 Referee: Chris White (England)
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Harrison), 19. Kieron Dawson, 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Danielli), 22. Rob Dewey (for Steinmetz).

14 December 2007	Ulster	8–16	Ospreys	Ravenhill, Belfast
20:00	Try: Danielli 38' m Pen: O'Connor 17'	Report[24]	Try: Marshall 54' c Con: Hook Pen: Hook (3) 12', 15', 56'	Attendance: 9,665 Referee: Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles, 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Isaac Boss (for Campbell), 21. Paddy Wallace (for O'Connor), 22. Mark McCrea.

11 January 2008	Ulster	25–24	Bourgoin	Ravenhill, Belfast
19:30	Tries: Bowe 44' c Marshall 55' c Trimble 78' m Con: Humphreys (2) Pen: Humphreys (2) 6', 13'	Report[25]	Tries: Coux 2' m Denos 20' m Vigneaux 40' c Petrilli 47' c Con: Parra (2)	Attendance: 8,340 Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Grant Webb, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. David Pollock (for Webb), 20. Isaac Boss, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Mark McCrea.

20 January 2008	Gloucester	29–21	Ulster	Kingsholm, Gloucester
13:00	Tries: Qera (2) 7' c, 59' m Strokosch 34' c Balshaw 71' m Narraway 80' m Con: Paterson (2)	Report[26]	Tries: Bowe (2) 21' c, 77' c Trimble 44' c Con: Wallace (2) O'Connor	Attendance: 12,480 Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Grant Webb, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Neil McMillan (for Webb), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Steinmetz), 22. Seamus Mallon (for Bartholomeusz).

Celtic League

Main article: 2007–08 Celtic League

Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	Try bonus	Losing bonus	Pts
Leinster	18	13	1	4	428	283	+145	44	30	4	3	61
Cardiff Blues	18	12	0	6	395	315	+80	48	31	6	2	56
Munster	18	10	1	7	330	258	+72	33	26	2	4	48
Edinburgh	18	9	3	6	313	285	+28	35	29	3	3	48
Glasgow Warriors	18	10	1	7	340	349	−9	31	38	1	3	46
Llanelli Scarlets	18	7	0	11	403	362	+41	45	38	6	5	39
Ospreys	18	6	1	11	321	255	+66	24	24	2	9	37
Newport Gwent Dragons	18	7	1	10	282	394	−112	31	44	1	3	34
Ulster	18	6	1	11	278	407	−129	33	41	2	1	29
Connacht	18	5	1	12	214	396	−182	16	39	0	2	24
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

21 September 2007	Ulster	17–16	Ospreys	Ravenhill
18:30	Try: Danielli Pen: O'Connor (4)	Report[27]	Try: Bishop Con: Connor Pen: Connor (3)	Attendance: 8,142
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Tim Barker, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Justin Harrison (for Barker), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin, 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Mallon).

28 September 2007	Edinburgh	24–10	Ulster	Murrayfield
19:30	Try: Turnbull Houston Con: Godman (2) Warnock Pen: Warnock	Report[28]	Try: Bartholomeusz Con: O'Connor Pen: O'Connor	Attendance: 1,389
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for Brady), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Tim Barker (for Caldwell), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough), 20. Paul Marshall (for Campbell), 21. Adam Larkin (for O'Connor), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

6 October 2007	Newport Gwent Dragons	31–11	Ulster	Rodney Parade
17:30	Try: Wyatt Charteris Davies Con: Sweeney (2) Pen: Sweeney (4)	Report[29]	Try: Court Pen: O'Connor (4)	Attendance: 4,139
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Tim Barker, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Tommy Bowe, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Matt Miles (for Brady), 17. Tom Court (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Barker), 19. Neil McMillan (for Pollock), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Marshall), 21. Kieran Hallett (for O'Connor), 22. Bryn Cunningham (for Cave).

12 October 2007	Llanelli Scarlets	32–8	Ulster	Stradey Park
19:10	Try: Watkins Jones Manu Edwards Con: Priestland (3) Pen: Priestland (2)	Report[30]	Try: Bowe Con: Wallace	Attendance: 6,480
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Seamus Mallon, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark Bartholomeusz, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Tim Barker (for Del Fava), 19. Roger Wilson (for Ferris), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Mallon), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli).

26 October 2007	Ulster	16–16	Leinster	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Trimble Con: Humphreys Pen: Humphreys (2) Drop: Humphreys	Report[31]	Try: D'Arcy Con: Sexton Pen: Sexton (3)	Attendance: 13,132
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Justin Harrison (for Del Fava), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. David Humphreys (for Wallace), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for Cunningham).

2 November 2007	Glasgow Warriors	25–6	Ulster	Firhill Stadium
19:30	Try: Henderson Con: Parks Pen: Parks (6)	Report[32]	Pen: Humphreys (2)	Attendance: 2,631
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), 22. Mark Bartholomeusz (for McCrea).

23 November 2007	Connacht	13–30	Ulster	Sportsground
19:30	Try: Riordan Con: Donnelly Pen: Dunne Donnelly	Report[33]	Try: Dawson Wilson Del Fava Con: Wallace (3) Pen: Wallace (3)	Attendance: 2,541
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Rob Dewey (for Steinmetz).

30 November 2007	Ulster	14–20	Edinburgh	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Bowe Pen: Wallace (3)	Report[34]	Try: Dey Cairns Con: Godman (2) Pen: Godman (2)	Attendance: 9,750
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Bryan Young, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Matt McCullough, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Declan Fitzpatrick, 18. Ryan Caldwell (for McCullough), 19. Kieron Dawson (for Wilson), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor, 22. Paul Steinmetz (for Bartholomeusz).

26 December 2007	Leinster	29–0	Ulster	Royal Dublin Society
15:00	Try: Heaslip Healy Con: Contepomi (2) Pen: Contepomi (5)	Report[35]		Attendance: 18,230
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Matt McCullough, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell), 19. David Pollock (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. David Humphreys (for Steinmetz), 22. Grant Webb (for Harrison).

15 February 2008	Ulster	38–13	Newport Gwent Dragons	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: R. Best Cunningham Danielli Wallace Boss Caldwell Con: O'Connor (4)	Report[36]	Try: Dollman Con: Thomas Pen: Sweeney	Attendance: 9,246
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Tommy Bowe, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Rory Best (for Brady), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for D. Fitzpatrick), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Matt McCullough (for N. Best), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for O'Connor), 22. Seamus Mallon (for McCrea).

29 February 2008	Ulster	20–8	Llanelli Scarlets	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: McCullough N. Best Boss Con: O'Connor Pen: O'Connor	Report[37]	Try: Priestland Pen: Priestland	Attendance: 8,869
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Paul Steinmetz, 14. Mark McCrea, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Court), 18. Carlo del Fava (for Harrison), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Darren Cave (for Steinmetz), 22. Bryn Cunningham.

22 March 2008	Munster	42–6	Ulster	Musgrave Park
19:30	Try: O'Gara O'Driscoll Buckley O'Leary Howlett Coughlan Con: O'Gara (4) Warwick	Report[38]	Pen: O'Connor (2)	Attendance: 7,500
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Neil Best, 7. David Pollock, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Matt McCullough (for N. Best), 19. Roger Wilson (for Pollock), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall), 21. Rob Dewey (for O'Connor), 22. Mark McCrea (for Cunningham).

28 March 2008	Ospreys	32–7	Ulster	Liberty Stadium
19:10	Try: Williams (2) Walker Hook Con: Hook (3) Pen: Hook (2)	Report[39]	Try: Dawson Con: O'Connor	Attendance: 9,087
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Grant Webb (for McCullough), 19. Roger Wilson (for Dawson), 20. Kieran Campbell, 21. Rob Dewey (for Wallace), 22. Mark McCrea (for Bartholomeusz).

11 April 2008	Ulster	18–6	Connacht	Ravenhill
18:30	Try: McCullough Court Con: Wallace Pen: Wallace O'Connor	Report[40]	Pen: Dunne Nathan	Attendance: 9,248
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Paddy Wallace, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Rob Dewey (for O'Connor), 22. Mark McCrea.

19 April 2008	Cardiff Blues	30–17	Ulster	Cardiff Arms Park
17:30	Try: Thomas Williams Roberts Con: Blair (3) Pen: Blair (2) Flanagan	Report[41]	Try: Bowe Caldwell Con: O'Connor (2) Pen: O'Connor	Attendance: 6,500
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark McCrea. Replacements: 16. Stuart Philpott, 17. Bryan Young (for J. Fitzpatrick), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. Neil Best (for Dawson), 20. Isaac Boss (for Marshall), 21. Paul Steinmetz, 22. Darren Cave.

30 April 2008	Ulster	19–9	Munster	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Dewey Trimble Caldwell Con: Wallace (2)	Report[42]	Pen: Warwick (3)	Attendance: 12,300
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Carlo del Fava, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Kieron Dawson, 8. Stephen Ferris, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Mark Bartholomeusz, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Justin Harrison (for Caldwell), 19. Neil Best (for Ferris), 20. Paul Marshall, 21. Niall O'Connor (for Wallace), 22. Mark McCrea.

3 May 2008	Ulster	24–35	Glasgow Warriors	Ravenhill
15:00	Try: Bowe Danielli Wilson Boss Con: Wallace (2)	Report[43]	Try: Beattie T. Evans Fa'atau M. Evans Con: Parks (3) Pen: Parks (3)	Attendance: 6,592
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Carlo del Fava, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. Paddy Wallace, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Bryan Young (for Court), 18. Ryan Caldwell (for Del Fava), 19. Kieron Dawson (for McCullough), 20. Kieran Campbell (for Boss), 21. Niall O'Connor (for Bartholomeusz), 22. Mark McCrea (for Danielli).

9 May 2008	Ulster	17–26	Cardiff Blues	Ravenhill
19:30	Try: Bowe Danielli Wallace Con: Wallace	Report[44]	Try: Molitika (2) Down Davies Con: Halfpenny (3)	Attendance: 9,672
Ulster lineup: 1. Bryan Young, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom Court, 4. Justin Harrison, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Isaac Boss, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Rob Dewey, 13. Andrew Trimble, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady (for R. Best), 17. Justin Fitzpatrick (for Young), 18. Matt McCullough (for Wilson), 19. Neil Best (for Pollock), 20. Paul Marshall (for Boss), 21. Paddy Wallace (for Humphreys), 22. Niall O'Connor (for Trimble).

Home attendance

Domestic League					European Cup					Total
League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	Total Attendance	Average Attendance
2007–08 Celtic League	9	9,661	13,132	6,592	2007–08 Heineken Cup	3	10,335	13,000	8,340	117,956	9,830

Friendlies

31 August 2007	Ulster	13-12	Leeds Carnegie	Ravenhill
	Try: McCrea Con: Steinmetz Pen: O'Connor (2)	Report[45]	Pen: Di Bernardo (3) Drop: Di Bernardo
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Ryan Caldwell, 5. Tim Barker, 6. Chris Henry, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Mark McCrea, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Mark Kettyle, 15. Mark Bartholomeusz. Replacements: Stuart Philpott (for Brady), Jarlath Carey (for Court 47'), Filo Paulo (for Barker 38-40'), Matt McCullough (for Henry 40'), David Pollock (for McMillan 40'), Adam Larkin (for O'Connor 61'), Seamus Mallon (for Cave 61'), Tommy Bowe (for Kettyle 47').

8 September 2007	Ulster	19-23	Gloucester	Ravenhill
	Try: O'Connor Cunningham Pen: Steinmetz (3)	Report[46]	Try: Bailey Buxton Con: Walker Lamb Pen: Walker Drop: Walker
Ulster lineup: 1. Justin Fitzpatrick, 2. Nigel Brady, 3. Tom Court, 4. Tim Barker, 5. Ryan Caldwell, 6. Matt McCullough, 7. David Pollock, 8. Roger Wilson (c), 9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Niall O'Connor, 11. Simon Danielli, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Tommy Bowe, 15. Bryn Cunningham. Replacements?

Ulster Rugby Awards

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 15 May 2008 at the La Mon House Hotel outside Belfast. Winners were:^[47]

• Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: David Humphreys
• Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year: Tommy Bowe
• Vodafone Young Ulster Player of the Year: Niall O'Connor
• Kukri Sportswear Club of the Year: City of Armagh RFC
• First Trust Club Player of the Year: Ian Porter, QUB
• Ken Goodall Award for Outstanding Player at the Sports Institute: Ian Whitten, QUB
• Special Merit Award: Latimer Adair, Ballynahinch RFC
• Calor Gas Youth Player of the Year: James Simpson, Ballynahinch RFC
• Northern Bank Schools Player of the Year: Jonny Shiels, Coleraine Academical Institution

References

1. "Ulster Rugby Introduce New Recruits", Irish Rugby, 2 July 2007
2. "Clarke set to leave Ulster for IRFU role", Belfast Telegraph, 25 May 2007
3. "Ulster coach quits", Sky Sports, 13 November 2007
4. "Ulster confirm Matt Williams as new Head Coach", Irish Examiner, 30 December 2007
5. "Tyrone Crystal trophies awarded to Irish stars", Tyrone Herald, 5 May 2008
6. Management profiles, Ulster Rugby, archived 22 December 2022
7. "Ulster sign Reivers' Danielli", Guinness Pro12, 22 February 2007
8. "SRU losing key player as Dewey joins Ulster", The Scotsman, 23 February 2007
9. "Hallett included in Ulster squad", RTÉ Sport, 2 October 2007
10. "Hanna set to miss Ulster season", BBC Sport, 10 August 2007
11. "Matt has covered the Miles to be in Belfast", News Letter, 22 September 2007
12. "Webb signs for Ulster", Irish Examiner, 22 December 2007
13. Murray Kinsella, "Munster close in on Irish tighthead Andress ahead of next season", Yahoo! News, 26 January 2016
14. "Bristol swoop for double signing", BBC Sport, 10 January 2007
15. "Maxwell signs for Edinburgh", Six Nations Rugby, 6 June 2007
16. "Shields joins Saints", Irish Examiner, 14 March 2007
17. "Lewis Stevenson rejoins Exeter from Ulster to reinforce second row", The Guardian, 25 January 2016
18. "Bishop And Young Join Doncaster", Irish Rugby, 26 June 2007
19. Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
20. "Academy Profiles", Ulster Rugby, archived 27 February 2008
21. "Ulster v Gloucester", EPCR, 9 November 2007
22. "Bourgoin v Ulster", EPCR, 16 November 2007
23. "Ospreys v Ulster", EPCR, 7 December 2007
24. "Ulster Rugby v Ospreys", EPCR, 14 December 2007
25. "Ulster v Bourgoin", EPCR, 11 January 2007
26. "Gloucester Rugby v Ulster", EPCR, 20 January 2007
27. "Ospreys Remain Winless As Ulster Edge Ravenhill Battle", Pro12 Rugby, 21 September 2007
28. "Edinburgh Outgun Ulster At Murrayfield", Pro12 Rugby, 28 September 2007
29. "Three-Try Dragons Score Long Overdue Win Over Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 6 October 2007
30. "Ulster Stay Bottom As Scarlets Sizzle On Home Patch", Pro12 Rugby, 12 October 2007
31. "Humphreys-Inspired Ulster Bite Back In Ravenhill Stalemate", Pro12 Rugby, 26 October 2007
32. "Parks On The Mark As Glasgow Battle Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 1 November 2007
33. "Gutsy Galway Win Sees Ulster Climb Off The Bottom", Pro12 Rugby, 23 November 2007
34. "First Half Performance Sees Edinburgh Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 November 2007
35. "Two-Try Leinster Add To Ulster's Woes", Pro12 Rugby, 26 December 2007
36. "Ulster Get Williams' Reign Off To Winning Start", Pro12 Rugby, 15 February 2008
37. "Ulster Sweep Scarlets Aside For Back-To-Back Wins", Pro12 Rugby, 29 February 2008
38. "Munster Sizzle As They Put Six Tries Past Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 22 March 2008
39. "Four-Try Ospreys Sweep Ulster Aside", Pro12 Rugby, 28 March 2008
40. "Luckless Connacht Undone By Ulster's Second Half Salvo", Pro12 Rugby, 11 April 2008
41. "Blues Overcome Ulster But Miss Out On Bonus", Pro12 Rugby, 19 April 2008
42. "Three-Try Ulster Pick Up Valuable Win Over Munster", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2008
43. "Glasgow Outgun Ulster For Fourth Straight Win", Pro12 Rugby, 3 May 2008
44. "Humphreys Bows Out With Defeat As Cardiff Spoil Ulster's Party", Pro12 Rugby, 9 May 2008
45. Gavin Mairs, "Dream debut for McCrea", Belfast Telegraph, 1 September 2007
46. "Ulster edged out by Gloucester", BBC Sport, 8 September 2007
47. Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008