Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'This is the last development opportunity for Farrell (and his stand-in Simon Easterby) ahead of the Six Nations before players are released back to their clubs for URC and European action'

The fringe candidates worth Farrell's first preference

Jonny Holland identifies the squad players who could benefit from getting Andy Farrell's vote at the ballot box this week.

Rugby • 26 Nov 24

'I'm not sure if we need Sam Prendergast to start a Test match as physically daunting as this one...Fijian physicality is something that might do more harm than good'

Farrell has frustrations but not with either debutant

While Ireland have issues to work out before the end of the Autumn Nations Series, Jonny Holland was impressed by the performances of Irish debutants Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast against Argentina.

Rugby • 19 Nov 24

Farrell has frustrations but not with either debutant

While Ireland have issues to work out before the end of the Autumn Nations Series, Jonny Holland was impressed by the performances of Irish debutants Thomas Clarkson and Sam Prendergast against Argentina.

Rugby • 18 Nov 24

'Ireland's bench had penalties, confusion in lineouts, knock-ons and real momentum breaking moments that stopped them from mounting a response'

Lack of impact off bench telling in loss to All Blacks

Errors in the final quarter and a lack of a telling impact off the bench were key in Ireland's loss to New Zealand, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby • 12 Nov 24

Jonny Holland: 'You can see with New Zealand that there's a bit of an identity change, with more offloading, different set-piece set-ups and a varied exit strategy'

New-look New Zealand arrive with attacking ambition

Jonny Holland says that while New Zealand's attacking game looks ready to click, their defensive work will need tidying up if they are to defeat Ireland on Friday night.

Rugby • 05 Nov 24

"It could be just the spark that Munster need, akin to their trip to Cork in November 2022"

All Black XV clash can provide spark Munster need

In his latest column, Jonny Holland outlines why Munster's meeting the All Blacks XV could kick their season into gear

Rugby • 29 Oct 24

"Having less choice might be a blessing in disguise for Ireland"

McCarthy set to capitalise on Ireland's hooker injuries

Andy Farrell is set to name his Ireland squad for the November internationals this week. With interprovincial clashes in the last two rounds of URC, we saw head-to-head battles - not least at the hooker position - for players vying for their opportunity to be selected in the squad.

Rugby • 22 Oct 24

"How you can secure an attacking bonus point before half-time and then come out in the second half without firing much of a shot should be Leinster's biggest concern"

Leinster still seeking 80-minute performance

Leinster's 15-minute blitz all but ended an eagerly anticipated clash with fierce rivals Munster in a memorable fixture at Croke Park on Saturday night.

Rugby • 14 Oct 24

'How can you secure an attacking bonus point before half-time and then come out in the second half without firing much of a shot? That should be Leinster's biggest concern'

Leinster look impenetrable - but they can get better

Leinster's 15-minute blitz all but ended an eagerly anticipated clash with fierce rivals Munster in a memorable fixture at Croke Park on Saturday night. However there's still room for improvement as they aim to challenge on all fronts.

Rugby • 15 Oct 24

'The Ospreys were unfortunate in that they had to face a Munster side who had to play for a lot of pride, as well as needing a result'

Munster deliver storm warning but injury list a concern

Munster had a lot of pride to play for against Ospreys, and they delivered in spades, but their injury list will come under real scrutiny against Leinster at Croke Park.

Rugby • 08 Oct 24