Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

Ringrose and company will be aware that they lost control of the second half of their derby with Ulster

Ulster's game management cost them against Leinster

Leinster and Ulster served up a tight interprovincial derby and it was fine margins, mostly of game management and kicking that helped to decide the game.

Rugby • 04 Oct 22

'You don't want stronger players to get refereed with more scrutiny. However, it is up to Aki himself to use these strengths in the right way'

Aki clear-out was wrong, his reaction was worse

Bundee Aki got the punishment that his rucking action deserved but his reaction after being sent off was unacceptable, says Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 27 Sep 22

"While the internationals are still returning to action through pre-season training, Ulster were the team that found the most cohesion"

McCloskey key to the cohesion as Ulster start brightly

Jonny Holland assess the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championship, where the ruthlessness shown against Connacht bodes well for Ulster.

Rugby • 20 Sep 22

'In the season prior to the Rugby World Cup, law trials and variations will be kept to a minimum to allow for a certainty and consistency between coaches, players and the referee'

Rules aim to put rugby on front foot as World Cup looms

Ahead of the new URC season, Jonny Holland assesses the rugby rule book as the game looks to reward attacking rugby and protect players' safety.

Rugby • 16 Sep 22

Old guard the key component of historic series success

As the dust settles on Ireland's greatest achievement in their rugby history – winning a series against the All Blacks in New Zealand – it's important to reflect on some of the key considerations before the tour began.

Rugby • 19 Jul 22

'We could develop one or two more positions to give the next most important guys the best experience of Test match rugby that they will ever face. This game alone stands for far more than 80 minutes of Test experience'

History made so now look to future with team selection

Ireland have recorded a historic first Test victory against the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, so Jonny Holland believes Andy Farrell should use third Test to examine some unproven players.

Rugby • 11 Jul 22

Andy Farrell's team lost the game despite dominating territory and possession for large periods of the first half

Positives for Ireland but early chances must be taken

Ireland will be physically and emotionally fatigued after the effort that went into Saturday morning's loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.

Rugby • 05 Jul 22

Ireland have lost all 12 matches they've played against the All Blacks in New Zealand

Nuanced approach required in assessing Ireland tour

Ireland will face the All Blacks this week to start off the summer series. It will be preceded by a return to midweek games, with an exciting battle against the Maori All Blacks on Wednesday morning.

Rugby • 28 Jun 22

'It might seem weird to go for pints but every season is a huge effort with a massive emotional toll'

As Ireland head on tour, others bid poignant farewells

The Irish team have landed in New Zealand for the summer tour and have more than likely finished reflecting on a disastrous finish for the provinces in United Rugby Championship action but for others, it's a time for farewells, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 21 Jun 22

'Farrell could go a long way to cementing a forceful Irish pack if he gives a few form players the nod'

Form players may force Farrell's hand

Ireland's touring squad for the trip to New Zealand will be revealed later on today and for the first time in Andy Farrell's time in charge, he won't be picking from a confident and dominant Leinster side.

Rugby • 14 Jun 22