Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'It was a well-deserved win and a cleverly executed game strategy from Dwayne Peel and his Scarlets team'

Clever Scarlets expose underbelly of weakened Leinster

Dwayne Peel and Scarlets had a clear plan to disrupt Leinster on Saturday and it worked very effectively as the Welsh region gave their play-off hopes a massive shot in the arm with an unexpected victory.

Rugby • 29 Apr

'Ulster could be a lot higher up the table with a small bit more consistency and luck from an injury front'

Lack of selection consistency is harming Ulster's push

Ulster are an exciting team with a huge amount of potential, but currently they don't have the consistency of selection or the ability to pick their most experienced players at one time.

Rugby • 22 Apr

Johnny Holland: 'Champions Cup winners are generally well-disciplined and as strong on the defensive side of the game as they are in attack. That can't currently be said about Bordeaux'

Bordeaux require defensive focus to challenge for title

Bordeaux Begles overpowered Munster to take their place in the Champions Cup semi-final. However they need to sort out flaws in defence if they're to have a serious say in this competition.

Rugby • 15 Apr

Munster face a Bordeaux side riding high in the Top 14 at Stade Chaban Delmas on Saturday afternoon

Munster will require another magnifique French effort

More Munster magic in the Champions Cup saw Ian Costello's side topple La Rochelle in the Stade Marcel Deflandre, but it will take another monumental effort to upset Bordeaux this weekend.

Rugby • 08 Apr

'Are we continuously finding ways to make the jackal safer instead of just removing the jackal itself?'

Time to call it a day for the jackal?

While Munster and Connacht played out a tight-fought and historical interprovincial match in MacHale Park, Cian Prendergast sustained a head knock that reminds us rugby union still has an unacceptably high injury rate.

Rugby • 01 Apr

'The identification of talent doesn't seem to be an issue. Utilising the talent can be a slower process'

Good time for Irish rugby to wipe slate clean

After a very underwhelming finish to the Six Nations defence, it feels like a good time for Ireland to go through an extended break, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby • 18 Mar

It's hugely frustrating that the shot at history has been lost

No need for panic but we need to see a response in Rome

The French backs ran riot in the second half but the victory was founded on physical dominance

Rugby • 11 Mar

'The training ground is something that feels like a necessity for O'Mahony'

France have potential to spoil trio's Aviva send-off

The Irish rugby landscape has changed dramatically in the last two decades. From wooden spoons to Grand Slam expectations, this weekend could be another monumental timestamp in the history of the country's success.

Rugby • 04 Mar

'If we are to make the game safer, then sometimes a player will suffer the consequences of their unintended actions'

Ridiculous 20-minute red card cost Wales famous win

Jonny Holland felt that mitigation could have been used in Garry Ringrose's red card against Wales, but once it was issued, it showed the frailties of the 20-minute red card.

Rugby • 26 Feb

'Wales will be a very sticky challenge this weekend, but I wouldn't expect them to give Ireland much of a fright either'

New-look Wales unlikely to frighten Ireland too much

While the changes in the Welsh camp will no doubt make Cardiff a trickier spot for Ireland to travel to in Round 3, Jonny Holland can still only see one outcome.

Rugby • 18 Feb