Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'When there's a gulf in ability between two sides, it can be a bit difficult to find the right decision at times'

Ireland have room to improve, S Africa the side to beat

Ireland put in a high-scoring performance against Romania but there's still plenty of room for improvement as their clash with South Africa draws near.

Rugby • 12 Sep 23

Jonny Holland: 'Andy Farrell is an expert at building that narrative and capturing the squads imagination on their path. His biggest challenge awaits'

Farrell could opt to play Sexton in every pool game

Jonny Holland looks at how Ireland head coach Andy Farrell might manage his squad in the early rounds of the RUgby World Cup.

Rugby • 05 Sep 23

'Andy Farrell has gained a lot of trust with how he manages the squad'

Physicality of modern game means rotation is everything

Ireland will require some good luck on the injury front at the upcoming World Cup in France, but squad depth will also be absolutely crucial if Andy Farrell's men are to go deep at the tournament.

Rugby • 29 Aug 23

'Keith is a coaches' player, a players' player and immensely popular with supporters and even opposition players'

Keith Earls - a special talent and a better person

The international centurion has the experience, ability and work ethic that could be invaluable if he makes the plane to France

Rugby • 22 Aug 23

'There are some players that are a lot less disposable than others'

Sexton ban possible blessing as warm-ups take toll

As the warm-up matches take their toll on players, Jonny Holland reflects on a funny period for Rugby World Cup hopefuls.

Rugby • 15 Aug 23

World Cup shadowboxing has begun in earnest

World Cup preparations still at shadowboxing stage

As teams begin the final stages of fine-tuning themselves ahead of the World Cup, it can be dangerous to read too much into what we're currently seeing on the rugby pitch.

Rugby • 08 Aug 23

'Graham Rowntree is now a successful head coach and has found a way to bring this dormant giant back to winning ways'

Munster future bright as old and new hands deliver

Their unlikely URC triumph was just rewards for some long-serving Munster players but the youth of the team and the coaching staff provides great hope that more success could be on the way.

Rugby • 30 May 23

'Ronan O'Gara is one of world rugby's most tactically astute students'

ROG could help Ireland by showing them their weaknesses

Ronan O'Gara once again displayed his superb tactical nous by leading La Rochelle past Leinster in the Heineken Champions Cup final. His unique perspective could massively benefit Ireland ahead of the World Cup.

Rugby • 23 May 23