Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

'We could develop one or two more positions to give the next most important guys the best experience of Test match rugby that they will ever face. This game alone stands for far more than 80 minutes of Test experience'

History made so now look to future with team selection

Ireland have recorded a historic first Test victory against the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, so Jonny Holland believes Andy Farrell should use third …

Rugby • 11 Jul

Andy Farrell's team lost the game despite dominating territory and possession for large periods of the first half

Positives for Ireland but early chances must be taken

Ireland will be physically and emotionally fatigued after the effort that went into Saturday morning's loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.

Rugby • 05 Jul

Ireland have lost all 12 matches they've played against the All Blacks in New Zealand

Nuanced approach required in assessing Ireland tour

Ireland will face the All Blacks this week to start off the summer series. It will be preceded by a return to midweek games, with …

Rugby • 28 Jun

'It might seem weird to go for pints but every season is a huge effort with a massive emotional toll'

As Ireland head on tour, others bid poignant farewells

The Irish team have landed in New Zealand for the summer tour and have more than likely finished reflecting on a disastrous finish for the …

Rugby • 21 Jun

'Farrell could go a long way to cementing a forceful Irish pack if he gives a few form players the nod'

Form players may force Farrell's hand

Ireland's touring squad for the trip to New Zealand will be revealed later on today and for the first time in Andy Farrell's time in …

Rugby • 14 Jun

'The group of marauding, offloading youth that Munster have developed isn't any worse than what's at Leinster'

Munster crying out for purpose, clarity and a system

Graham Rowntree needs to bring knowledge and tactical clarity to Munster so they can start consistently performing like the proud club they are.

Rugby • 24 May

'Goal-kicking is high risk, but high reward'

Finding Zen - The ball, the kicking tee and the posts

While Munster lost out on a place in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final at the weekend, it reminded me just how addictive an art form …

Rugby • 10 May

'The AIL is a fascinating league and should continue to be held in high esteem by Irish rugby supporters'

AIL still has a part in nurturing professional game

Provincial coaches seem to be more aware now of the importance of the AIL since its return after the pandemic, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 03 May

Intent can no longer be a defence against red cards

Following another weekend of debate surrounding refereeing decisions and red cards, Jonny Holland believes that it's time to accept that a red card can be …

Rugby • 12 Apr

'Leinster go for regular jabs and keep knocking the defence back'

Munster couldn't live with Leinster accuracy and speed

Leinster showed on Saturday night why they're the standard bearers of URC rugby, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 05 Apr

Ireland's 6N was the right blend of flaws & positives

A little success now is vital for this team to buy in further to what they are developing, but not so much that any complacency …

Rugby • 22 Mar

'The idea behind stamping out these contacts regardless of injury is to change the habits of players and coaches.'

Protecting players trumps 'ruining the game' nonsense

Both teams' discipline is one of the main talking points following Ireland's bonus-point win over England in Twickenham, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 15 Mar

'England are going to rely heavily on their forward pack to disrupt Ireland'

England will do everything to dismantle Irish attack

All the talk has been about Ireland's attacking game and how much trouble they're going to cause England, but Eddie Jones has form when it …

Rugby • 08 Mar

'It's similar with other older members of the squad. If he leaves them out for one campaign, it could well be their last'

Tough calls ahead for Farrell in Six Nations part II

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has a few big calls to make as the Six Nations moves towards the business end.

Rugby • 22 Feb

'The question now is how does the head coach use the rest of the tournament?

How Farrell builds on Paris loss vital for Ireland

How Ireland head coach Andy Farrell approaches the final three games of the championship will be an interesting tell, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 15 Feb

France are going to be the best litmus test for where the Irish team are at

France will be a proper test of Irish faith in attack

Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales bore all the hallmarks of head coach Andy Farrell's attacking philosophy and while bigger tests await, Ireland appear to …

Rugby • 08 Feb

'For Ireland's ambitions to continue forward, you'll need a couple of breakthroughs in this year's competition'

Ireland need more 'breakthroughs' to bolster momentum

The Six Nations is back this weekend. With the normality of full crowds restored, and with Irish expectations climbing back towards their peak, it promises …

Rugby • 01 Feb

Munster showed a definite change in ambition in Thomond Park on Sunday

Offloading in vogue as Munster join the party

An accurate offloading game makes rugby a better spectacle to watch but as spectators we must understand what drives it and when it is appropriate, …

Rugby • 25 Jan

'It's becoming more evident that Tadhg Beirne has to be in Farrell's side'

Andy Farrell must gamble on youth as Six Nations looms

Andy Farrell has some decisions to make before he names his Six Nations squad on Wednesday, says Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 17 Jan

'Neither side should be overly proud of their performance'

Sub-standard derby fare worrying for Ireland

The Connacht and Munster tussle didn't impress our columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 04 Jan

Premiership provides contrast in interpros' absence

Irish rugby was forced into a weekend of rest due to Covid-19 cases in Ulster and the continuing concern in Leinster, but the situation was …

Rugby • 28 Dec 21

'The law variations that are continuously evolving are doing something to keep the players fitter and healthier, although I don't know if the injuries will stop. It is one of the most fascinating parts of the game, dangerous, but definitely interesting'

Henderson latest victim of high-risk breakdown battle

Iain Henderson is the latest player to be injured when competing at the breakdown. Law variations are helping but Jonny Holland - whose own career …

Rugby • 21 Dec 21

'Costello has reinvigorated that link between the AIL, academy players and the senior set-up in Munster'

Benefit of AIL clear to see after Munster sting Wasps

While all four Irish provinces claimed European wins at the weekend, Munster's success stood out for Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 14 Dec 21

RTÉ Rugby podcast: Munster plans & Kelleher interview

Ireland hooker Rónan Kelleher is the special guest on the RTÉ Rugby podcast this week.

Rugby • 01 Dec 21

'It would also allow the fringe players or non-selected players in the squad to get back in the mix'

Irish Wolfhounds return couldn't come at better time

Plans to get the Irish Wolfhounds, formerly known as the Irish 'A' team, back into competitive fixtures in the 2022 season couldn't come at a …

Rugby • 30 Nov 21