Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

Leinster-La Rochelle has developed into one of the classic matchups in European rugby

Teams will take note of La Rochelle's attack plan

Leinster edged La Rochelle in a thrilling encounter at Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, but La Rochelle's attacking strategy is one that future opponents may seek to replicate against Leo Cullen's side.

Rugby • 18 hrs

Champions Cup games are a natural step towards the intensity of a Test match

Six Nations a chance for Ireland to blood new players

Ireland could use the Six Nations as a chance to blood new players, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 06 Jan

Defence trumps attack as Leinster learn valuable lesson

While attacking rugby was in short supply, Leinster's gritty win over Munster at Thomond Park was born out of a ferocious defensive effort.

Rugby • 30 Dec 25

'Leo Cullen's men are still the yardstick by which most teams are measured'

Leinster double could elevate Munster season

Munster's latest clash with URC champions Leinster can have a huge say on how the rest of their season plays out, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 23 Dec 25

Familiar return to domestic bliss over festive season

European rugby will take a break for the festive period before action returns again in early January.

Rugby • 16 Dec 25

'Sport is fascinating because what is written on paper is partially irrelevant to how the game plays out'

Leinster hampered by lack of quality time together

Most teams that win a Champions Cup game 45-28 while scoring seven tries along the way would be happy with their day's work. Not Leinster, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 09 Dec 25

Champions Cup still has the collisions to pack a punch

The Champions Cup returns this weekend, and while the newer format provides less jeopardy, there are hugely exciting fixtures across the competition.

Rugby • 02 Dec 25

'Our game is now more confusing than ever and the stakeholders within the game are lost'

Rugby a sport that is confused at its core

As the November international window closes, Jonny Holland looks back on a month dominated not by brilliant action, but by the decision-making of officials.

Rugby • 25 Nov 25

Jonny Holland: 'When South Africa smell blood, they won't let you off the hook. They'll double down and force Ireland into poor decisions and when similar pressure is applied, Ireland will see more yellow cards'

Unlike Wallabies, Springboks will punish ill-discipline

While the attacking performance against Australia will please Andy Farrell, he will be aware South Africa will pose bigger questions on Saturday.

Rugby • 18 Nov 25

A tale of two tackles, a yellow card and a correct red

Whatever about the results and match-winning moments from the weekend's Tests, the law book continues to divide opinion. However, this time most would agree that the referees got things right.

Rugby • 11 Nov 25