Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

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

'There are two big semi-finals to come before Andy Farrell can start finalising his squad for the summer tour'

Leinster and Ulster displays add to Farrell's options

The displays of Leinster and Ulster in reaching the last four of the URC will have given Andy Farrell much to ponder when picking his squad for the tour of New Zealand.

Rugby • 07 Jun 22

'The most physical teams make it all the way in these competitions, and Leinster are no different'

Emphasis on Leinster losing physical battle not right

Jonny Holland says the narrative around Leinster's defeat to La Rochelle has been oversimplified.

Rugby • 31 May 22

'The group of marauding, offloading youth that Munster have developed isn't any worse than what's at Leinster'

Munster crying out for purpose, clarity and a system

Graham Rowntree needs to bring knowledge and tactical clarity to Munster so they can start consistently performing like the proud club they are.

Rugby • 24 May 22

'Goal-kicking is high risk, but high reward'

Finding Zen - The ball, the kicking tee and the posts

While Munster lost out on a place in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final at the weekend, it reminded me just how addictive an art form goal kicking really is.

Rugby • 10 May 22

'This is going to benefit the other Irish provinces because they will need to improve their ability to play against bigger teams with a different style of play to progress their resilience to this power game in Europe'

Fruits of of South Africa-infused URC have become clear

When you review the United Rugby Championship standings at the moment, there has been a real buzz around how the table might finish up and which teams are going to get home play-off games, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 26 Apr 22

'Leinster go for regular jabs and keep knocking the defence back'

Munster couldn't live with Leinster accuracy and speed

Leinster showed on Saturday night why they're the standard bearers of URC rugby, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 05 Apr 22

It wasn't all doom and gloom for Ireland

Positives for Ireland, despite penalty woes

It was a losing start for Ireland in the Women's Six Nations campaign but despite defeat to Wales, there's reason for optimism and most of their problems are fixable.

Rugby • 29 Mar 22