Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'Italy and Ireland play similar styles of rugby with their pods of three forwards in the middle of the pitch and a lot of movement behind this from their backs'

Italy chaos hints at Irish blueprint for France clash

Ireland are no strangers to moving the play and will follow a similar blueprint against France in a Six Nations showdown between the top two sides in the world rankings, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 07 Feb 23

Jonny Holland: 'Wales in Cardiff is a tough start for Ireland, but one that can springboard them to a greater success this year'

Big Irish calls at centre, back three and on the bench

Ireland's team has a settled look to it, but Jonny Holland says the biggest calls will be made at centre, midfield and among the replacements.

Rugby • 31 Jan 23

'Ireland may be the top-ranked team in the world but they became so without having to face France in the November series'

Ireland biggest threat to France's Six Nations crown

Ireland's fixture schedule gives them a great chance of dethroning France but don't expect a Grand Slam in a what will be a hugely competitive Six Nations, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 24 Jan 23

'When you take the attacking maul threat away from Ulster, they're beginning to look very average'

Munster turn corner as Ulster struggle for confidence

Ulster versus Munster was a battle of two teams trying to find their identity and ignite their season, according to RTÉ Rugby columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 03 Jan 23

Munster closing gap but Leinster leading by example

Graham Rowntree gave an emotionally charged, and slightly negative response after Munster lost once more to their rivals, Leinster, in Thomond Park.

Rugby • 27 Dec 22

'It was Munster's selection and how they set up for an attacking and fast-paced game that caught my eye'

Crowley at 12 deepens roots of Irish rugby's Plan B

The selection of Jack Crowley at inside centre for Munster's Champions Cup win over Northampton caught the eye of Jonny Holland and coupled with the likes of Leinster using Ciarán Frawley in the 12 role, he sees a long-term benefit for Irish rugby's search for a Plan B.

Rugby • 20 Dec 22

Jonny Holland was impressed with Leinster's comeback win against Ulster

Leinster and Cullen pass red-card coaching challenge

Leinster overcame a huge challenge last weekend as they came from 19 points down to beat Ulster with only 14 players for three quarters of the match.

Rugby • 06 Dec 22

Why was unsteady White even sent for a HIA?

Jonny Holland questions the decision-making around Nic White's HIA when World Rugby guidelines state any imbalance or dazed nature warrant permanent and immediate removal from the pitch.

Rugby • 22 Nov 22

'I thought South Africa would humble Ireland on Saturday evening but I'm glad I was wrong'

At what stage do we believe in the favourites tag?

Jonny Holland reflects on another brilliant display from Ireland after their win over South Africa in Dublin.

Rugby • 08 Nov 22

Jonny Holland: 'roviding a deeper insight and clarity into the long list of laws that the game holds would help the supporters to enjoy the spectacle a bit more and provide less pressure by way of a public bashing for the referees'

Rugby at a crossroads with more referee input required

Jonny Holland says increased referee input, such as interviews or former referees as co-commentators, would be a positive development for all rugby stakeholders

Rugby • 01 Nov 22