January 30 down the years
Ulster crowned kings of Europe
David Humphreys' Ulster tasted victory on this day in 1999
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1999
Lansdowne Road staged its first Heineken Cup Final. Fittingly, Ulster became the first Irish side to lift the trophy, beating Colomiers 21-6 in front of a sell-out crowd of 49,000. Ulster's march to the title had seen them turn over French heavyweights Toulouse and Stade Francais under the leadership of fly-half David Humphreys. English clubs had opted out of the competition due to a dispute with tournament chiefs, but Ulster nevertheless faced a fearsome challenge. Toulouse lost home and away to Humphreys' men and Stade were sent packing in the knock-out stages. Simon Mason was the match-winner in the final, landing six penalties to go with his captain's drop-goal.
1954
New Zealand beat England 5-0 at Twickenham through a first-half Nelson Dalzell try converted by Bob Scott. The Wales-Scotland match at Swansea scheduled for the same day was postponed owing to frost.
1889
The touring New Zealand Natives (known as the Maoris) enjoyed one of their best victories, beating Devon County 12-0 at Exeter. Skipper Joe Warbrick scored his only points of the British leg of the tour, converting one of the visitors' seven tries.
1969
With just over a week to go to their annual match of the season against The Army, the Royal Navy won an undistinguished match against Hampshire 11-0 at Portsmouth.
1971
Ed Grant's try on debut earned Ireland a creditable 9-9 draw at home to the reigning Five Nations co-champions, France. Tom Kiernan cracked a fibula in an early collision with a team-mate but bravely played on until half-time before giving way to Barry O'Driscoll, who subsequently slotted two penalties.
1982
Bill Beaumont was forced to leave the field with concussion three minutes before half-time while leading Lancashire to a 7-3 victory over the North Midlands in the County Championship Final at Moseley. The injury, on medical advice, led to his full retirement from playing. His England and Lancashire colleague, Steve Smith, spoke for all when he said: "It feels as though I've lost my right arm".
2009
England Saxons ran in ten tries as they cruised past Portugal 66-0 in their
clash at Edgeley Park. Scrum-half Harry Ellis gave England manager Martin Johnson a timely reminder of his quality with an impressive two-try display as the hosts outclassed their continental visitors.
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