Humphreys To Sign Off For Ulster
David Humphreys will start for his province on Friday night at Ravenhill, in Ulster’s last game of the season and the veteran out-half’s last game of his professional career.
Humphreys, the Ulster and Ireland legend, has been plagued with injuries this season and after being picked for his final game, he remarked: “I am delighted to be playing tomorrow night at Ravenhill. It’s great to get a final opportunity to play for Ulster.
“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, Williams has made five changes to the province’s starting line-up. The back-line remains unchanged apart from Paddy Wallace dropping to the replacements bench to accommodate Humphreys.
Bryan Young starts at loosehead prop with Justin Fitzpatrick named on the bench. Carlo Del Fava picked up an injury against Glasgow so 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 at blindside flanker with Matt McCullough making way and Kieron Dawson starting at openside.
The match will see Ulster back at their usual Friday night-time slot with a kick-off of 7.30pm and will be the final chance for fans to support the 2007/08 team before the close of the season.
Tickets for this fixture are on sale now and can be bought online from the Ulster Rugby website, or as always are available from the ticketline (02890493222 (Option 2)), over the counter at Ravenhill and from any one of our usual outlets below:
In Sport – Newtownards, SS Moore’s – Belfast, Athletic Stores – Belfast, Eden Park – Belfast, Euro Sport – Lisburn, Shoe Fair Sports – Banbridge, Style N Sport – Ballymena, Vi-Sport – Belfast, David Gotto All Sports – Belfast, Overplay Sports – Carrickfergus and Douglas Menswear – Belfast.
ULSTER (v Cardiff Blues): Mark Bartholomeusz; Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Rob Dewey, Simon Danielli; David Humphreys, Isaac Boss; Bryan Young, Rory Best (capt), Tom Court, Justin Harrison, Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Kieron Dawson, Roger Wilson.
Replacements: Nigel Brady, Justin Fitzpatrick, Matt McCullough, Neil Best, Paul Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Mark McCrea.