2003–04 Ulster Rugby season

The 2003–04 season was Ulster Rugby's ninth under professionalism, and their third under head coach Alan Solomons. They competed in the Heineken Cup, the Celtic League and the inaugural Celtic Cup.

2003–04 Ulster Rugby season
Ground(s)Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Alan Solomons
Captain(s)Andy Ward
Top scorerDavid Humphreys (204)
Most triesTyrone Howe (12)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in pool)
Celtic League (2nd)
Celtic Cup (champions)
← 2002–03 2004–05 →

Ulster introduced a new logo this season, featuring a red hand surrounded by the outline shapes of two crossed rugby balls in red and black, which remains in use. A proposal to rebrand the team the "Ulster Knights" was discussed, but rejected.[1]

The numbers of teams in the Celtic League was reduced from sixteen to twelve in a single league table, with a full home and away schedule increasing each team's fixture list from seven to 22 matches. There would be no playoffs to determine the league's champions, but a knockout competition, the Celtic Cup, was introduced alongside the league.[2] This meant that the Irish provinces could now operate as full-time professional clubs, with provincial players no longer able to play for clubs in the All-Ireland League.[3] Ulster finished second in the table. Tyrone Howe was the league's joint third leading try scorer with nine.[4] In the Heineken Cup, they came third in Pool 1, not qualifying for the knockout stage. They won the Celtic Cup, defeating Edinburgh in the final.

Making their debuts for the province this season were props Bryan Young and Simon Shawe, lock Tim Barker, back row forward Roger Wilson, scrum-half Reece Spee, wing Tommy Bowe and centre Seamus Mallon. New signings were props Ronan McCormack and Rod Moore, locks Rowan Frost and Matt Mustchin, and centre Paul Steinmetz.

James Topping became only the second player, after Gary Longwell, to make 100 appearances for Ulster.[5] Tommy Bowe was named IRUPA Young Player of the Year.[6] Roger Wilson was Ulster's Player of the Year.

Head coach Alan Solomons and forwards coach Adrian Kennedy left at the end of the season to join Northampton Saints.[7] Backs coach Mark McCall was named as the new head coach.[8]

Staff
Position Name Nationality
Chief Executive Michael Reid  Ireland
Director of Rugby Alan Solomons  South Africa
Team manager John McComish  Ireland
Forwards coach Adrian Kennedy  Ireland
Backs coach Mark McCall  Ireland
Assistant conditioning coach John McCloskey  Ireland
Physiotherapist Gareth Robinson  Ireland

Squad

Senior squad
Ulster Rugby squad

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.[19]

    2003–04 Heineken Cup
    Main article: 2003–04 Heineken Cup

    Pool 1
    Team P W D L Tries for Tries against Try diff Points for Points against Points diff TB LB Pts
    Stade Français 6402118313480541118
    Leicester Tigers 630317107137115223015
    Ulster 6303109110910631114
    Newport Gwent Dragons 6204516−1167146−79019
    7 December 2003
    14:30    		 Newport Gwent Dragons 24 – 15 Ulster Rodney Parade  
    Try: Breeze, Montgomery
    Con: Jarvis
    		 Report[20] Pen: Humphreys (5)
    		 Attendance: 5,500
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Rowan Frost, 5. Gary Longwell,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 56'), Rod Moore (for N. Best 29-36').

    12 December 2003
    19:30    		 Ulster 22 – 20 Stade Français Ravenhill  
    Try: Wallace
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys (5)
    		 Report[21] Try: Rabadan
    Pen: Domínguez (4)
    Drop: Liebenburg
    		 Attendance: 10,243
    Referee: N Williams
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Rod Moore (for S. Best 57'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 57'), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 62').

    11 January 2004
    13:00    		 Ulster 33 – 0 Leicester Tigers Ravenhill  
    Try: Howe, Ward (2), Stewart
    Con: Humphreys (2)
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Report[22] Attendance: 12,300
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Paddy Wallace.
    Replacements:
    Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 67'), Adam Larkin (for Stewart 75').

    17 January 2004
    15:00    		 Leicester Tigers 49 – 7 Ulster Welford Road  
    Try: Lloyd (2), Back, Van der Westhuyzen, Johnson
    Con: Vesty (3)
    Pen: Vesty (6)
    		 Report[23][24] Try: Topping
    Con: Humphreys
    		 Attendance: 16,815
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Paddy Wallace.
    Replacements:
    Adam Larkin (for Stewart 18'), Rod Moore (for S. Best 50'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 66').

    24 January 2004
    16:00    		 Stade Français 13 – 10 Ulster Stade Jean-Bouin  
    Try: Marconnet
    Con: Domínguez
    Pen: Domínguez (2)
    		 Report[25][26] Try: Humphreys
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys
    		 Attendance: 10,284
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 64'), Neil Best (for McMillan 64').

    30 January 2004
    19:45    		 Ulster 22 – 0 Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
    Try: Shields, Humphreys, Howe
    Con: Humphreys (2)
    Pen: Humphreys
    		 Attendance: 11,925
    Referee: J Dume
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 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. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Simon Best (for Moore 60'), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 60'), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys 62'),
    Matt Sexton (for Shields 69'), Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 70'), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 72'), Paddy Wallace (for Mallon 72')

    2003-04 Celtic League
    Main article: 2003–04 Celtic League
    Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
    1 Llanelli Scarlets221615597385+21257397376
    2 Ulster221507617363+25467298472
    3 Newport Gwent Dragons221606590449+14159417172
    4 Celtic Warriors221408560451+10948375465
    5 Neath-Swansea Ospreys2211110582512+7055605455
    6 Cardiff Blues2211011570467+10373547354
    7 Munster2210012422456−3445496551
    8 Leinster229112523580−5751654547
    9 Connacht228212479550−7150595344
    10 Edinburgh229013454622−16852696244
    11 Glasgow226115442614−17252613332
    12 Borders224018363750−38742881522

    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
    5 September 2003 Neath-Swansea Ospreys 41–30 Ulster The Gnoll  
    19:05 Try: Tiueti, Durston, Henson (2)
    Con: Connor (2), Henson
    Pen: Connor (4), Henson
    		 Report[27][28]
    Video    		 Try: Stewart, McCormack, Ward
    Con: Wallace (3)
    Pen: Wallace (3)
    		 Attendance: 4,250
    Referee: Gregg Davies
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. Paddy Wallace,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Neil McMillan (for Wilson 46'), Paul Shields (for Sexton 53'), Adam Larkin (for Constable 66'), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85').

    12 September 2003 Ulster 33–6 Glasgow Ravenhill  
    19:35 Try: Frost, McWhirter, Stewart
    Con: Larkin (3)
    Pen: Larkin (3)
    		 Report[29] Pen: Howarth
    Drop: Moffat
    		 Attendance: 6,000
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Seamus Mallon (for Constable 23').

    26 September 2003 Ulster 37–18 Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Ward, McWhirter, Constable, Howe
    Con: Larkin (4)
    Pen: Larkin (3)
    		 Report[30] Try: Arasa, Baber
    Con: Warlow
    Pen: Warlow
    Drop: Warlow
    		 Attendance: 5,807
    Referee: A. Ireland
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Brian Young,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Tony McWhirter, 7. Andy Ward (c), 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Matt McCullough (for Frost 52'), Simon Shawe (for McWhirter 69'),
    Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 72'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 76'), Neil Best (for Shawe 80').

    10 October 2003 Munster 15–16 Ulster Musgrave Park  
    19:30 Pen: Staunton (5)
    		 Report[31][32] Try: Mallon
    Con: Larkin
    Pen: Larkin (3)
    		 Attendance: 4,000
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Ryan Constable (for Mallon 60'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 60'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 62'), Bryan Young (for Moore 73').

    17 October 2003 Ulster 26–20 Celtic Warriors Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Howe, Cunningham
    Con: Larkin (2)
    Pen: Larkin (4)
    		 Report[33][34] Try: Lewis
    Pen: Jenkins (5)
    		 Attendance: 6,625
    Referee: D. Changeleng
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Sexton (for Shields 47'), Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 47'), James Topping (for Young 47'),
    Ryan Constable (for Mallon 47'), Bryan Young (for McCormack 63'), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 60'), Reece Spee (for Campbell 77').

    24 October 2003 Edinburgh 3–41 Ulster Meadowbank  
    19:35 Pen: Lee
    		 Report[35][36] Try: Constable (3), Howe, Topping
    Con: Larkin (5)
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Attendance: 2,600
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Bryan Young, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Sexton (for Shields), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
    Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee (for Campbell), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart), Scott Young (for Topping).

    31 October 2003 Ulster 32–7 Cardiff Blues Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Cunningham (2)
    Howe
    Shields
    Con: Larkin (3)
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Report[37] Try: Powell
    Con: Robinson
    		 Attendance: 5,256
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 55'), Ronan McCormack (for B. Young 63'), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 63'),
    Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 55), Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon, Scott Young.

    8 November 2003 Connacht 31–20 Ulster Sportsground  
    14:30 Try: Mostyn
    Con: McHugh
    Pen: Elwood (2)
    McHugh (6)
    		 Report[38] Try: Constable (2)
    Con: Larkin (2)
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Attendance: 1,950
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack, Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
    Roger Wilson (for McWhirter), Reece Spee, Paul Steinmetz (for Stewart), Seamus Mallon.

    28 November 2003 Ulster 46–5 Borders Ravenhill  
    19:35 Try: Cunningham
    Constable (2)
    Ward
    Shields
    Con: Wallace (5)
    Pen: Wallace (2)
    		 Report[39] Try: Walker
    		 Attendance: 5,585
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 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. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 40'), Robbi Kempson (for Moore 45'), Gary Longwell (for Mustchin 45'),
    Tony McWhirter (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Shane Stewart (for Constable 49'), Scott Young (for Steinmetz 71).

    2 January 2004 Leinster 32–30 Ulster Donnybrook  
    19:35 Try: Contepomi
    Costello
    Con: O'Meara (2)
    Pen: O'Meara (6)
    		 Report[40][41] Try: Howe
    Steinmetz
    Humphreys
    Con: Humphreys (3)
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Attendance: 7,000
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Adam Larkin, 14. James Topping,
    15. Paddy Wallace.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 65), Rod Moore (for S. Best 65), Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 58),
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 65), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 62), Seamus Mallon, Bryn Cunningham (for Wallace 69).

    6 February 2004 Ulster 10–9 Llanelli Scarlets Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Cunningham
    Con: Larkin
    Pen: Larkin
    		 Report[42] Pen: Bowen (2)
    Drop: Phillips
    		 Attendance: 6,603
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt McCullough, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Sexton (for Shields 46), Simon Best (for Moore 65), Matt Mustchin (for Frost 46),
    Warren Brosnihan, Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Stewart), Tommy Bowe.

    13 February 2004 Ulster 31–19 Neath-Swansea Ospreys Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: N. Best
    S. Young
    Wallace
    Brosnihan
    Con: Larkin (4)
    Pen: Larkin
    		 Report[43][44] Try: Morris
    Williams
    Tiueti
    Con: Henson
    Tiueti
    		 Attendance: 5,041
    Referee: Rob Dickson
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt McCullough, 5. Gary Longwell,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Sexton (for Shields 43), Bryan Young (for Wilson 75), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 53),
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 59), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 76), Sheldon Coulter, Andy Maxwell.

    20 February 2004 Glasgow 27–25 Ulster Hughenden  
    19:30 Try: A. Bulloch
    Lamont
    Lawson
    Con: Howarth (3)
    Pen: Howarth (2)
    		 Report[45][46] Try: N. Best
    S. Young
    McCullough
    Con: Wallace (2)
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Attendance: 3,189
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Paddy Wallace, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 14), Bryan Young, Matt Mustchin (for Longwell 59),
    Neil McMillan (for N. Best 55), Kieran Campbell (for Doak 67), Shane Stewart (For Larkin 56), Seamus Mallon.

    28 February 2004 Newport Gwent Dragons 27–19 Ulster Rodney Parade  
    17:30 Try: Jarvis
    Luscombe
    Con: Montgomery
    Pen: Montgomery (5)
    		 Report[47][48] Try: Wilson
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys (4)
    		 Attendance: 4,016
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for S. Best), Matt Mustchin (for Longwell),
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace, Seamus Mallon.

    5 March 2004 Ulster 36–13 Munster Ravenhill  
    19:35 Try: Sexton
    Wallace
    McMillan
    S. Young
    Con: Wallace (2)
    Pen: Larkin (4)
    		 Report[49] Try: Murphy
    Con: Lawler
    Pen: Lawler (2)
    		 Attendance: 8,820
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Matt Sexton (for Shields), Bryan Young (for McCormack), Rowan Frost,
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Neil Doak, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Seamus Mallon (for Stewart).

    12 March 2004 Celtic Warriors 0–28 Ulster Brewery Field  
    19:05 Try: Humphreys
    Stewart
    McMillan
    Con: Humphreys (2)
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Report[50] Attendance: 2,000
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields, Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin),
    Neil Best (for McMillan), Kieran Campbell (for Topping), Adam Larkin (for Humphreys), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham).

    26 March 2004 Ulster 37–0 Edinburgh Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Howe (2)
    Larkin
    Sexton
    Wallace
    Con: Larkin (3)
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Report[51] Attendance: 6,328
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton), Bryan Young, Gary Longwell (for Frost),
    Warren Brosnihan (for Ward), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), Scott Young (for Howe).

    3 April 2004 Cardiff Blues 19–15 Ulster Cardiff Arms Park  
    17:30 Try: Shanklin (2)
    Williams
    Con: Robinson
    Harris
    		 Report[52] Try: Brosnihan
    S. Best
    Con: Humphreys
    Drop: Humphreys
    		 Attendance: 4,500
    Referee: Gregg Davies
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Matt McCullough,
    6. Neil Best, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Andy Ward,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Paddy Wallace.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Rowan Frost (for McCullough),
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Seamus Mallon.

    16 April 2004 Ulster 42–27 Connacht Ravenhill  
    19:35 Try: Bowe
    Ward
    Wallace
    McMillan
    S. Young
    Con: Humphreys (4)
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Report[53] Try: Munn
    McPhillips
    Con: McHugh
    Pen: McHugh (3)
    Hewitt (2)
    		 Attendance: 7,286
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil McMillan, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Nigel Brady, Rod Moore (for McCormack), Tim Barker (for Longwell),
    Neil Best (for McMillan), Neil Doak (for Campbell), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham), James Topping.

    30 April 2004 Borders 15–19 Ulster Netherdale  
    19:30 Try: Fairley
    Setiti
    Con: Vili
    Pen: Vili
    		 Report[54] Try: S. Best
    N. Best
    Pen: Humphreys (2)
    Drop: Humphreys
    		 Attendance: 1,200
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Gary Longwell, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker, Neil McMillan (for Ward), Kieran Campbell (for Doak), Paddy Wallace (for Steinmetz), Tommy Bowe (for Cunningham).

    7 May 2004 Ulster 28–6 Leinster Ravenhill  
    19:30 Try: Howe (2)
    Humphreys
    Con: Humphreys (2)
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Report[55][56] Pen: O'Meara (2)
    		 Attendance: 12,000
    Referee: Nigel Williams
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 68), Ronan McCormack (for Moore 73), Tim Barker,
    Neil McMillan (for Howe 80), Kieran Campbell (for Stewart 79), Adam Larkin (for Mallon 73), Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham 64).

    14 May 2004 Llanelli Scarlets 23–16 Ulster Stradey Park  
    19:35 Try: Watkins
    Pen: Jones (5)
    Drop: Jones
    		 Report[57] Try: McMillan
    Con: Humphreys
    Pen: Humphreys (3)
    		 Attendance: 10,000
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Simon Best, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt Mustchin, 5. Rowan Frost,
    6. Andy Ward, 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Scott Young, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton), Ronan McCormack (for Moore), Tim Barker (for Mustchin),
    Neil McMillan (for N. Best), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin, Paddy Wallace (for Cunningham).

    Celtic Cup
    Main article: Celtic Cup (rugby union)

    Quarter-final
    3 October 2003 Ulster 23 (3 tries) – 23 (2 tries) Leinster Ravenhill  
    Try: Penalty try
    Howe
    N. Best
    Con: Larkin
    Pen: Larkin (2)
    		 Report[58][59][60] Try: O'Riordan
    Brown
    Con: Leek (2)
    Pen: Leek (3)
    		 Attendance: 7,000
    Referee: Nigel Owens
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Ronan McCormack, 2. Paul Shields, 3. Bryan Young,
    4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Shane Stewart, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. Scott Young,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Reece Spee, Seamus Mallon (for Stewart 85), James Topping (for S. Young 65),
    Simon Shawe (for B. Young 82), Nigel Brady, Roger Wilson (for McWhirter 40), Rowan Frost (for Mustchin 65).

    Semi-final
    15 November 2003 Glasgow 13-20 Ulster Glasgow  
    Try: Morrison
    Con: Howarth
    Pen: Parks
    Drop: Parks
    		 Report[61][62] Try: Constable
    Pen: Larkin (4)
    Drop: Larkin
    		 Referee: H. Watkins
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Bryan Young, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Rod Moore,
    4. Matt McCullough, 5. Matt Mustchin,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Tony McWhirter,
    9. Kieran Campbell, 10. Adam Larkin,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Ryan Constable, 14. James Topping,
    15. Bryn Cunningham.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields, Simon Best (for B. Young 41), Rowan Frost (for McCullough 41),
    Roger Wilson, Neil Doak (for Campbell 41), Shane Stewart, Scott Young.

    Final
    20 December 2003 Edinburgh 21–27 Ulster Murrayfield, Edinburgh  
    14:30 GMT Try: Simon Webster
    Derrick Lee
    Mike Blair
    Con: Chris Paterson (3/3)
    		 Report[63][64] Try: Neil Best
    Rowan Frost
    Con: David Humphreys (1/2)
    Pen: David Humphreys (5)
    		 Attendance: 17,174
    Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)
    Ulster lineup:

    1. Robbi Kempson, 2. Matt Sexton, 3. Simon Best,
    4. Rowan Frost, 5. Matt Mustchin,
    6. Andy Ward (c), 7. Neil Best, 8. Roger Wilson,
    9. Neil Doak, 10. David Humphreys,
    11. Tyrone Howe, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 13. Shane Stewart, 14. James Topping,
    15. Paddy Wallace.
    Replacements:
    Paul Shields (for Sexton 58), Rod Moore, Matt McCullough (for Mustchin 68),
    Warren Brosnihan (for N. Best 74), Kieran Campbell, Adam Larkin (for Topping 58), Bryn Cunningham.

    Ulster Rugby Awards

    The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 20 May 2004. Winners were:[65]

    References
    1. Gavin Mairs, "It's good Knight to a new name for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 27 January 2004
    2. "New format boost for Celtic League", Irish Independent, 7 May 2003
    3. [Jimmy Davidson, "Club Ulster is perfect route to success for Solomons", Belfast Telegraph, 9 May 2003
    4. Statzone, Pro12 Rugby, retrieved 2 June 2022
    5. Gavin Mairs, "Topping in line to hit Ulster century", Belfast Telegraph, 31 Match 2004
    6. "Tommy Bowe - IRUPA Young Player of the Year", Ulster Rugby, 20 May 2004, archived 5 June 2004
    7. "Solomons Leaving Ulster", Irish Rugby, 16 February 2004
    8. "McCall gets call to coach Ulster", The Irish Times, 23 March 2004
    9. Gavin Mairs, "Rugby: New faces on show as Ulster slip into gear", Belfast Telegraph, 4 July 2008
    10. "Ulster sign Connacht duo", BBC Sport, 23 April 2003
    11. "Moore signs for Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 August 2003
    12. "Spee moves to Harlequins", BBC Sport, 4 June 2003
    13. "Steinmetz heading for Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 July 2003
    14. Richard Mulligan, "Solly: Young will do job", News Letter, 26 September 2003
    15. "Blair to quit Ulster", RTÉ, 10 April 2003
    16. Jim Stokes, "Davidson forced to retire", BBC Sport, 2 May 2003
    17. Barry Coughlan, "Castres deal lures Fitzpatrick from Ulster", Irish Examiner, 4 April 2003
    18. "AIL Finals Previews", The Irish Times, 10 May 2003
    19. "Ulster's 2002/3 squad", BBC Sport, 2 July 2002
    20. "Ulster are left with a mountain to climb", Daily Telegraph, 8 December 2003
    21. "Ulster's rousing rally cry", Irish Independent, 13 December 2003
    22. Gavin Mairs, "Wisdom of Solomons in finest hour", Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004
    23. "Leicester 49-7 Ulster", BBC Sport, 17 January 2004
    24. Eddie Butler, "Tiger bows out with a roar", Irish Independent, 18 January 2004
    25. "Stade Francais 13-10 Ulster", BBC Sport, 24 January 2004
    26. Michael Streeter, "Dominguez kicks break Ulster hearts", Sunday Independent, 25 January 2004
    27. "Ospreys soar on debut", BBC Sport, 5 September 2003
    28. "Henson class blows away Ulster defence", Belfast Telegraph, 6 September 2003
    29. "Ulster back in form with crushing win over Glasgow", Irish Examiner, 13 September 2003
    30. Michael Sadlier, "Ulster slay Dragons but crisis on horizon", Belfast Telegraph, 27 September 2003
    31. "Munster lose to Ulster in Musgrave", Munster Rugby, 10 October 2003
    32. "Larkin's late strike prove vital", Irish Independent, 11 October 2003
    33. "Ulster edge out Warriors", BBC Sport, 17 October 2003
    34. Ciaran Donaghy, "Rugby: Sweet 16", Belfast Telegraph, 18 October 2003
    35. Ciaran Donaghy, "Constable on the beat", Sunday Life, 26 October 2003
    36. "Ulster rout Edinburgh", BBC Sport, 24 October 2003
    37. "Impressive Ulster out score Cardiff by four tries to one", Wales Online, 1 November 2003
    38. "Connacht Break Ulster'S Winning Run", Pro12 Rugby, 8 November 2003
    39. "Ulster blitz the Borders", BBC Sport, 28 November 2003
    40. "Leinster edge out Ulster", BBC Sport, 2 January 2004
    41. Kieran Rooney, "O'Meara flawless as Lions hang on", Irish Independent, 3 January 2004
    42. "Ulster 10-9 Scarlets", BBC Sport, 6 February 2004
    43. "Ulster 31-19 Ospreys", BBC Sport, 13 February 2004
    44. "Ulster 31 Ospreys 19", Irish Independent, 14 February 2004
    45. "Glasgow 27-25 Ulster", BBC Sport, 20 February 2004
    46. "Ulster let it slide", Irish Independent, 21 February 2004
    47. "Dragons 27-19 Ulster", BBC Sport, 28 February 2004
    48. Match Centre, Pro12 Rugby, 28 February 2004
    49. "Ulster Bounce Back", Pro12 Rugby, 5 March 2004
    50. "Ulster Maintain Title Charge", Pro12 Rugby, 12 March 2004
    51. "Ulster Gun Down Edinburgh To Stay On Top", Pro12 Rugby, 26 March 2004
    52. "Blues Dent Ulster Hopes", Pro12 Rugby, 3 April 2004
    53. "Ulster Fight Back To Retain Ravenhill Record", Pro12 Rugby, 16 April 2004
    54. "Ulster Win Keeps Them On Target", Pro12 Rugby, 30 April 2004
    55. "Ulster'S Win Keeps Title Hopes Alive", Pr12 Rugby, 7 May 2004
    56. "Stylish Ulster miss out on bonus point", Irish Independent, 8 May 2004
    57. "Scarlets Crowned Celtic Champions", Pro12 Rugby, 14 May 2004
    58. "Ulster Win Through On Try Count", Pro12 Rugby, 3 October 2003
    59. "Ulster earn countback win", BBC Sport, 3 October 2003
    60. Kieran Rooney, "Ulster try count downs Leinster", Irish Independent, 4 October 2003
    61. "Ulster edge out Glasgow", BBC Sport, 14 November 2003
    62. "Constable's try decisive as Ulster net final spot", Irish Independent, 15 November 2003
    63. "Ulster hold on for victory", BBC Sport, 20 December 2003
    64. Brendan Fanning, "Humphreys king of Celtic warriors", Sunday Independent, 21 December 2003
    65. "Emotional end to Ulster season", Belfast Telegraph, 21 May 2004
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