Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

"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

'The manner in which La Rochelle went in to the second half is worrying for both Leinster and Irish rugby in general'

La Rochelle second-half salvo worrying for Irish rugby

The manner in which La Rochelle went in to the second half of the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday is worrying for both Leinster and Irish rugby in general, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 04 May 21

Mixed approach but still some drama over the Rainbow

The Rainbow Cup is proving to be a mish-mash event but it's better than nothing, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 27 Apr 21

"It'll be the role of the louder extroverts to bring the group back together"

Tangible action now required after heavy loss to France

France left a friendly reminder that there's a difference between semi-professional and amateur, but Ireland can't allow negative thoughts to get in the way with Italy to come this weekend, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby • 20 Apr 21