Jonny Holland

Former Munster fly-half and current Cork Con head coach

'The red card was obviously a factor in Ireland getting over the line, but they were in full control in the opening quarter'

The next era of Irish rugby is upon us

Jonny Holland looks at how Ireland took France apart last Friday, particuarly in the kicking battle

Rugby • 06 Feb 24

'The number on the player's back is less important than the players that take to the field'

Farrell has forward and wing issues for trip to France

Andy Farrell faces a tough selection conundrum ahead of Ireland's Six Nations opener against France.

Rugby • 30 Jan 24

There might be one or two surprises when Ireland's squad announcement is made on Wednesday'

Expect some surprises and gradual changing of the guard

There may well be one or two surprises when Andy Farrell names his Six Nations squad on Wednesday - it feels like a good time for some transition, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 16 Jan 24

Holland: 'My hope is for more clarity with the contact laws'

World Rugby must act - ruck laws not fit for purpose

Johnny Holland illustrates why ruck laws are no longer fit for purpose and and asks how many more injuries will it take before World Rugby amend the laws to stop side-entry actions?

Rugby • 09 Jan 24

'The inter-provincial rivalries gave us some scintillatingly close encounters'

Burns kicking masterclass exposes Leinster defence

Billy Burns led Ulster to a monumental win against Leinster yesterday evening, to stop the league leaders from mustering their tenth win on the trot.

Rugby • 02 Jan 24

'Munster know they have the tools to beat Leinster, following their semi-final win in the URC last year'

Nienaber provides Leinster with confrontational licence

As most of the country tucked into their Christmas dinner, Munster and Leinster players opted for the stricter higher carbohydrate and lower fat approach to their celebrations as part of their match day preparations.

Rugby • 26 Dec 23

'Passes are less accurate when the inside defenders give the half-backs less time on the ball'

Mixed bag for Irish sides adds to European intrigue

Round two of the Champions Cup rugby was a mixed bag for Irish provinces - the next round of URC games may help to separate contenders from pretenders, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 19 Dec 23

Joe McCarthy is playing with a maturity that belies his years

McCarthy and Frawley giving Farrell food for thought

Joe McCarthy and Ciarán Frawley pushed their Ireland claims significantly with starring roles in Leinster's Champions Cup victory over La Rochelle.

Rugby • 12 Dec 23

'I did naively come across a tweet about myself when scrolling casually one day'

Farrell decision shows social media abuse gone too far

Owen Farrell should be entering into the twilight years of his career, and English rugby should be trying to maximise their exposure to his leadership and experience, but he's stepping away instead.

Rugby • 05 Dec 23

'Close-fought encounters with a lot of young and returning players on show keep the game interesting'

Frawley can move ahead in race to succeed Sexton

Ciarán Frawley was one of the big winners from Leinster's absorbing inter-pro derby derby against Munster - and he now has the opportunity to show he has the credentials to nail down the out-half position.

Rugby • 28 Nov 23