Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'The pressure within Munster to string some performances together is still there'

Nonsense to seek Van Graan exit before season is over

There's little chance of Munster getting rid of their head coach before the end of the season, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 11 Jan 22

'Neither side should be overly proud of their performance'

Sub-standard derby fare worrying for Ireland

The Connacht and Munster tussle didn't impress our columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 04 Jan 22

"The bragging rights and direct competition for places ahead of the upcoming Six Nations camps gives the festive fixtures added spice."

Premiership provides contrast in interpros' absence

Irish rugby was forced into a weekend of rest due to Covid-19 cases in Ulster and the continuing concern in Leinster, but the situation was different in the Premiership, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 28 Dec 21

'The law variations that are continuously evolving are doing something to keep the players fitter and healthier, although I don't know if the injuries will stop. It is one of the most fascinating parts of the game, dangerous, but definitely interesting'

Henderson latest victim of high-risk breakdown battle

Iain Henderson is the latest player to be injured when competing at the breakdown. Law variations are helping but Jonny Holland - whose own career was ended in a breakdown - does not think you can remove all risk from the games most fascinating area.

Rugby • 21 Dec 21

'Costello has reinvigorated that link between the AIL, academy players and the senior set-up in Munster'

Benefit of AIL clear to see after Munster sting Wasps

While all four Irish provinces claimed European wins at the weekend, Munster's success stood out for Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 14 Dec 21

Holland: 'We'll learn a lot about where Irish club rugby is at over the next two weeks'

European litmus test awaits Irish provinces

Johnny Holland assesses the form of the provinces leading into the opening round of this season's Heineken Champions Cup.

Rugby • 10 Dec 21

'It would also allow the fringe players or non-selected players in the squad to get back in the mix'

Irish Wolfhounds return couldn't come at better time

Plans to get the Irish Wolfhounds, formerly known as the Irish 'A' team, back into competitive fixtures in the 2022 season couldn't come at a better time for Irish rugby, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 30 Nov 21

'The positivity is firmly back in Irish rugby which can now be used as a springboard to push on'

Complacency the risk as Ireland take huge strides

Ireland impressed with the gameplan during a fruitful November window but building on it will be key heading into the next phase of the World Cup cycle, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 23 Nov 21

'Nearly everyone could get a mention for the positive impact they had on the game'

Relentless Ireland turn tables on All Blacks

New Zealand simply couldn't live with Ireland's high intensity - and that is something we've rarely seen before, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 16 Nov 21

'The All Blacks will remember losing in Dublin during their last visit and will no doubt use it in the week ahead'

Experienced heads need to drive it against New Zealand

To win back the fringe supporters and to keep building their confidence and momentum, it's imperative that Ireland put it up to New Zealand, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 09 Nov 21