Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

The expectation is that Farrell will have to go very strong because of the quality of opposition

Autumn selections to hint at Farrell's World Cup plans

Picking and dropping players is harder than it looks, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 02 Nov 21

All Blacks' USA exhibition didn't sit right with me

Jonny Holland discusses the All Blacks' 104-14 demolition of a USA team missing first choice players and how such a fixture does not bring any tangible benefits to international rugby.

Rugby • 26 Oct 21

'As an ex-player, it's really easy to say that's collisions are part of the game and you can understand the player that is flying in to make an impact for his team'

Contrasting calls on high tackles a huge frustration

Former Munster player Jonny Holland looks at two similar high-challenge incidents at the weekend that were dealt with differently by the match officials.

Rugby • 19 Oct 21

"Leinster are known for using 55 or so players every year and barely giving up any points, which shows their strength in depth."

South African sides shorn of stars face URC test

After the chaos wreaked by the pandemic, rugby is resuming with a more recognisable league structure, even if the new competition format will be providing something very different for teams and fans, with the South African sides in the URC facing a major challenge this side of Christmas.

Rugby • 24 Sep 21

"There is loads of rugby to come, but it won't be as tense as that Lions series for another while yet."

Lions loss was tense but focus needs to switch from TMO

The Lions chipped away and gave us a series that was tied up until the final minute of play. Now, hopefully, we can all return to dissecting rugby analysis involving players actions much more than that of the TMO, referees and coaches.

Rugby • 10 Aug 21

'Rassie will feel vindicated and has opened a can of worms with officiating going forward'

Forget the Springboks in red and find new plan, Gatland

Former Munster out-half Jonny Holland outlines the need for the Lions to discover their own way of playing after losing the second Test in Cape Town.

Rugby • 05 Aug 21

'The Boks aren't subtle with their tactics. They almost tell you how they'll play'

Lions on front foot after winning tactical battle

The Lions are in the ascendency after a tactical first Test in Cape Town, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 27 Jul 21

'ROG couldn't get La Rochelle over the line, but we saw a lot in him on Saturday that we wouldn't have seen as a player'

O'Gara embodies the transition from player to coach

Much like his playing days, Jonny Holland is sure there were a lot of learnings for Ronan O'Gara after first loss in a Champions Cup final, with plenty of success ahead.

Rugby • 25 May 21

Is familiarity starting to bread contempt in the Rainbow Cup?

Error-strewn interpros a consequence of long season

The Rainbow Cup delved further into the unpredictable last weekend in the third of three interprovincial rounds in a row.

Rugby • 18 May 21

"In both games, discipline dictated a lot of the exchanges."

It's meaningless but teams can still use Rainbow Cup

It was another weekend of interprovincial action in the season-extending Rainbow Cup and while the results mean nothing, the lack of pressure could see teams develop new approaches for next season.

Rugby • 11 May 21