Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'Rugby is a progressive sport and the officials are trying to change the game for the better, but it needs to be done with clarity and certainty around key areas of the game'

Fear and confusion in rugby's laws and interpretations

Players have to make decisions every time there's a different referee, based on the pattern of their penalty count in the last number of weeks, writes Johnny Holland.

Rugby • 13 Apr 21

French flexing muscles - but Leinster still pack punch

The power of French rugby is clearly evident right now but Leinster have the tools to go all the way in the Heineken Champions Cup if they can find crucial momentum.

Rugby • 07 Apr 21

'You can't ask for much more from a guy who played 51 tests in five years with an average of 16 carries and 10 tackles per game, every game'

CJ Stander committed himself to the whole Irish process

In recalling the first time he encountered CJ Stander during a Munster training session, Jonny Holland wanted to impress him and, in the process felt he was going up a level because of him.

Rugby • 23 Mar 21

Holland: 'Ireland's game is built around exiting and playing as far up the pitch as possible. That simply won'twork against England'

England a scary prospect if Irish don't kick the habit

Ireland's game is based on exiting quickly and playing the game as far up the pitch as possible, Jonny Holland is certain that kicking game will not work against England

Six Nations • 17 Mar 21

'Irish rugby will boast the top four teams in the league which is probably more of a reflection on Scottish and Welsh rugby'

Time for Munster to crank it up for Pro14 title bid

Leinster stand in the way of a Pro14 title for Munster and the Reds must up their game, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 09 Mar 21

'There are times when players can feel hard done by and get caught up in a decision, but the good teams get on with it and control what they can control'

Wales keeping noses clean as referees play central role

Wales have defied pre-tournament expectations by claiming the Triple Crown and giving themselves a shot at an improbable Six Nations Grand Slam, writes Jonny Holland.

Jonny Holland • 02 Mar 21

'We have the player pool, it's about using it right and developing a team that can compete on the highest stage'

Potential not in short supply, but Farrell needs more

With standards in the provinces improving all the time, there is still plenty of time to turn the potential into success for Ireland at the World Cup in two years' time, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 23 Feb 21

'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