Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'Munster know they have the tools to beat Leinster, following their semi-final win in the URC last year'

Nienaber provides Leinster with confrontational licence

As most of the country tucked into their Christmas dinner, Munster and Leinster players opted for the stricter higher carbohydrate and lower fat approach to their celebrations as part of their match day preparations.

Rugby • 26 Dec 23

'Passes are less accurate when the inside defenders give the half-backs less time on the ball'

Mixed bag for Irish sides adds to European intrigue

Round two of the Champions Cup rugby was a mixed bag for Irish provinces - the next round of URC games may help to separate contenders from pretenders, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 19 Dec 23

Joe McCarthy is playing with a maturity that belies his years

McCarthy and Frawley giving Farrell food for thought

Joe McCarthy and Ciarán Frawley pushed their Ireland claims significantly with starring roles in Leinster's Champions Cup victory over La Rochelle.

Rugby • 12 Dec 23

'I did naively come across a tweet about myself when scrolling casually one day'

Farrell decision shows social media abuse gone too far

Owen Farrell should be entering into the twilight years of his career, and English rugby should be trying to maximise their exposure to his leadership and experience, but he's stepping away instead.

Rugby • 05 Dec 23

'Close-fought encounters with a lot of young and returning players on show keep the game interesting'

Frawley can move ahead in race to succeed Sexton

Ciarán Frawley was one of the big winners from Leinster's absorbing inter-pro derby derby against Munster - and he now has the opportunity to show he has the credentials to nail down the out-half position.

Rugby • 28 Nov 23

Confident Leinster have the upper hand against Munster

Jonny Holland previews the interprovincial clash of Munster and Leinster at the Aviva stadium this weekend.

Rugby • 21 Nov 23

'Introducing internationals such as Iain Henderson and the record breaking Herring, as well as debutant Scott Wilson, turned the game in Ulster's favour'

Getting basics right is still key to winning or losing

After a disappointing defeat against Connacht, Ulster exacted their interprovincial revenge on Munster in Belfast on Friday night.

Rugby • 14 Nov 23

Nascent stars can embrace post-World Cup opportunities

With established internationals still injured or resting up, the season after a World Cup offers huge opportunities for breakthrough stars to strut their stuff.

Rugby • 07 Nov 23

South Africa are experts at building their team to peak at the right time

Springboks mastery of basics is its own kind of torture

The South African rugby team are currently touring their home country to visit the people that they represented during their deserved World Cup victory.

Rugby • 31 Oct 23

'One or two knock ons crept in throughout the aerial bombardment and unfortunately for England, the South African subs bench had a much more influential effect on the game than their own'

South Africa set up clash of styles against New Zealand

South Africa will play New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final, a clash of styles according to RTÉ Rugby columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 24 Oct 23