Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

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

'It's hard not to look at every collision and physio involvement without a small bit of dread'

Hard to avoid feeling of dread as collisions hit home

As the World Cup nears, Jonny Holland looks at every collision involving an Irish player in a different light.

Rugby • 09 May 23

'La Rochelle's firepower will cause Leinster problems if they can keep their discipline'

Leinster-La Rochelle rematch promises fitting crescendo

After two one-sided semi-finals, the final of the Champions Cup is the crescendo that we've all been waiting for.

Rugby • 02 May 23

'Play-off games bring a different energy compared to regular-season games'

Mistakes cost more in play-offs as URC hits quarters

All four Irish provinces remain in the hunt for the URC title and at least one will go through to the semi-finals.

Rugby • 25 Apr 23

'It's much easier to take the emotion out of the refereeing decision when the controversial moment doesn't involve a team that you support'

Controversial call illustrates laws not fit for purpose

If there is a criticism to be made as a result of Karl Dickson's controversial decision at the weekend in the Gallagher Premiership, then maybe it should be directed towards law makers and not the referees, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 18 Apr 23

More exposure to Springboks players and the style of game that their teams play will normalise the phenomenon that is South African rugby in elite competitions

South African familiarity a boost for World Cup hopes

Jonny Holland says the more Irish players play against South African sides at club level, the greater the boost it is for Ireland.

Rugby • 04 Apr 23

'If Irish rugby can fund everything below the professional game, the international game will be better for it'

IRFU missing a trick as women's team lose ground

The heavy defeat in Wales suggests Ireland are losing ground as the game goes professional and while the IRFU are making progress, Jonny Holland believes greater investment at all levels is crucial.

Rugby • 28 Mar 23

"Nobody came close to Ireland realistically, although there were some nervy moments along the way"

Heady days but room to improve on England display

Ireland won the Grand Slam on Saturday evening but, in truth, and by their own standards, they limped towards it in the end, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 21 Mar 23