O'Gara embodies the transition from player to coach Much like his playing days, Jonny Holland is sure there were a lot of learnings for Ronan O'Gara after first loss in a Champions Cup ... Rugby • 25 May
Error-strewn interpros a consequence of long season The Rainbow Cup delved further into the unpredictable last weekend in the third of three interprovincial rounds in a row. Rugby • 18 May
It's meaningless but teams can still use Rainbow Cup It was another weekend of interprovincial action in the season-extending Rainbow Cup and while the results mean nothing, the lack of pressure could see teams ... Rugby • 11 May
La Rochelle second-half salvo worrying for Irish rugby The manner in which La Rochelle went in to the second half of the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday is worrying for both Leinster ... Rugby • 04 May
Tangible action now required after heavy loss to France France left a friendly reminder that there's a difference between semi-professional and amateur, but Ireland can't allow negative thoughts to get in the way with ... Rugby • 20 Apr
Zebo 'nice to have' in competitive Irish back three Jonny Holland, Fiona Hayes and Grace Davitt discuss Simon Zebo's chances of forcing his way back into the Ireland squad once he is back at ... Rugby • 16 Apr
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, ... Rugby • 13 Apr
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 ... Rugby • 07 Apr
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 ... Rugby • 23 Mar
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
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
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 ... Rugby • 23 Feb
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 ... Rugby • 09 Feb
Contract delays leaving players in an unfair limbo The contract situation in Ireland is dragging on for too long - it must be sorted as soon as possible, writes Jonny Holland. Rugby • 02 Feb
Leinster display 'uncharacteristic trends and errors' Leo Cullen's side got back on track against Ulster but there are aspects that need much improvement if they're going to continue their dominance in ... Rugby • 12 Jan
Ulster show inter-pro intent as Covid disrupts games Ulster showed their intent with a determined victory against Connacht, but the threat of Covid-related postponements looms, threatening the Irish province's momentum, writes Jonny Holland. Rugby • 29 Dec 20
European action excites but fans the missing X-factor There was a lot to enjoy in the weekend's Heineken Champions Cup games but the lack of supporters had a major impact on the players ... Rugby • 15 Dec 20
Scotland will sense Ireland fragility Jonny Holland assesses Ireland's pros and cons against Georgia and how next opponent's Scotland will view things Rugby • 01 Dec 20
Ireland still searching for a gameplan and best team Johnny Holland assesses the current Ireland team, measured against the might of England, and the selection issues facing head coach Andy Farrell. Rugby • 24 Nov 20
Selection decisions for Ireland ahead of England test Ireland have a number of major personnel calls to make as they prepare to face England in Saturday's Autumn Nations Cup clash at Twickenham, writes ... Rugby • 17 Nov 20
Postponed games a blow to blossoming careers The international window has ordinarily given provinces' fringe and younger players the chance to step up, but right now it's an opportunity that is - ... Rugby • 10 Nov 20
Farrell must be wary not to throw baby out with water Ireland are not too far from where they want to be despite Saturday's disappointing defeat to France in Paris, writes Jonny Holland. Rugby • 04 Nov 20
A coaching dilemma - when to poach and not to poach? Do you coach the team to stand off, create line spacings, integrity and speed and hope to force turnovers or do you go for the ... Rugby • 27 Oct 20
Coaching more about empowering than being a dictator Andy Farrell's team selection will be watched closely around the country this week and the hand of the head coach has already been forced by ... Rugby • 13 Oct 20
Munster box themselves in with over-reliance on kicks It was no surprise to see Munster going for the box kick to test Leinster's Jordan Larmour but what was frustrating was that it felt ... Rugby • 08 Sep 20
