Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'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

'France kicked the ball 41 times and destroyed England. It's not a sin to kick the ball, it's a sin to kick the ball poorly'

Ireland display versatility in the face of adversity

Ireland beat Scotland in Murrayfield last weekend but the final score would suggest that it was much more comfortable than it really was.

Rugby • 14 Mar 23

'A home team with a strong set-piece are a difficult force to stop'

Scotland can threaten Ireland in multiple areas

Ireland will faced a more rounded Scotland than in previous years, warns Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 07 Mar 23

'The biggest learning watching Ireland at the weekend is that two inside-centres don't make a centre partnership'

Aki's defensive lapses evident in win over Italy

Jonny Holland runs a coach's eye over Ireland's Six Nations win against Italy and looks forward to the clash with Scotland on Sunday week.

Rugby • 28 Feb 23

'Ireland will be heavy favourites going into this game but Italy have the ability to cause trouble. A tough challenge awaits'

Don't expect wholesale squad rotation for Italian job

You can guarantee that Andy Farrell won't be blotting his Six Nations copybook because of an over eagerness to change the squad, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 21 Feb 23

Barnes got the Uini Atonio tackle on Rob Herring horribly wrong

World Rugby need to take stand on Atonio tackle

Ireland-France was a test match for the ages but it was marred by a refereeing decision that has been influenced by a framework that is not fit for purpose

Rugby • 14 Feb 23

'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