Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'It's taking longer than we had thought to transition from the last World Cup, but maybe this trajectory will be good for Ireland'

Tactical kicking approach possible with strong lineout

Jonny Holland pinpoints where he feels Ireland are falling short and why he isn't overly concerned at this juncture in the team's development.

Six Nations • 16 Feb 21

'Carty is able to manage the game and also brings a degree of unpredictability to the opposition defensive line'

Carty the perfect 10 to freshen up predictable defence

There were plenty of positives to take from Ireland's defeat in Cardiff and with the prospect of Jonny Sexton being sidelined for the next Six Nations game, it may be time for Jack Carty to step forward.

Rugby • 09 Feb 21

Cardiff showdown to make or break Ireland's Six Nations

If Ireland start well against Wales this could be a fruitful and successful spring. But if they lose, it's going to be a long few weeks stuck in a bubble, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 07 Feb 21

'Contracts should be sorted and sorted sooner rather than later'

Contract delays leaving players in an unfair limbo

The contract situation in Ireland is dragging on for too long - it must be sorted as soon as possible, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 02 Feb 21

Failure to finish off Leinster will haunt Munster minds

Munster have definitely taken another step towards improvement and overcoming Leinster, but this should have been an actual, rather than moral victory, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 26 Jan 21

'The Leinster academy is clearly the standard for developing youth'

Academy graduates face future dilemmas

Jonny Holland doesn't envy the decision rising stars must make on whether to commit to their home provinces or look further afield.

Rugby • 22 Jan 21

"There's never a right time to take Leinster on but now might not be the worst. In a few more weeks they could be unplayable again"

Leinster display 'uncharacteristic trends and errors'

Leo Cullen's side got back on track against Ulster but there are aspects that need much improvement if they're going to continue their dominance in this country and beyond.

Rugby • 12 Jan 21

'Ulster were evidently up for the game judging by their reaction to even the smallest wins'

Ulster show inter-pro intent as Covid disrupts games

Ulster showed their intent with a determined victory against Connacht, but the threat of Covid-related postponements looms, threatening the Irish province's momentum, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 29 Dec 20

'Seeing the drama of sport over the weekend hits home just how much of a privilege it is to enjoy these events'

Great European fare, but unique festive season beckons

Jonny Holland watched on with interest as John Cooney and JJ Hanrahan were central figures for their respective provinces as Ulster and Munster enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Rugby • 23 Dec 20

'The sooner we catch up with the southern hemisphere and can get the crowds back through the gates the better for supporters, players and boardrooms'

European action excites but fans the missing X-factor

There was a lot to enjoy in the weekend's Heineken Champions Cup games but the lack of supporters had a major impact on the players and the results, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 15 Dec 20