Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

'It was Munster's selection and how they set up for an attacking and fast-paced game that caught my eye'

Crowley at 12 deepens roots of Irish rugby's Plan B

The selection of Jack Crowley at inside centre for Munster's Champions Cup win over Northampton caught the eye of Jonny Holland and coupled with the likes of Leinster using Ciarán Frawley in the 12 role, he sees a long-term benefit for Irish rugby's search for a Plan B.

Rugby • 20 Dec 22

'The ruck isn't always refereed the same'

Breakdown laws continue to baffle & frustrate

As a supporter, ex-player and now coach, it's the inconsistencies in the interpretation of laws around the breakdown that are frustrating and confusing me most, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 13 Dec 22

Jonny Holland was impressed with Leinster's comeback win against Ulster

Leinster and Cullen pass red-card coaching challenge

Leinster overcame a huge challenge last weekend as they came from 19 points down to beat Ulster with only 14 players for three quarters of the match.

Rugby • 06 Dec 22

Why was unsteady White even sent for a HIA?

Jonny Holland questions the decision-making around Nic White's HIA when World Rugby guidelines state any imbalance or dazed nature warrant permanent and immediate removal from the pitch.

Rugby • 22 Nov 22

Jonny Holland: Jerry Holland's work might have been unseen by many, but was appreciated by all

Leaders like Jerry Holland keep the club game alive

Jonny Holland pays tribute to the former Munster team manager Jerry Holland and the contribution he, along with so many other similar volunteers throughout the game in Ireland, have made to the club scene.

Rugby • 15 Nov 22

'I thought South Africa would humble Ireland on Saturday evening but I'm glad I was wrong'

At what stage do we believe in the favourites tag?

Jonny Holland reflects on another brilliant display from Ireland after their win over South Africa in Dublin.

Rugby • 08 Nov 22

Jonny Holland: 'roviding a deeper insight and clarity into the long list of laws that the game holds would help the supporters to enjoy the spectacle a bit more and provide less pressure by way of a public bashing for the referees'

Rugby at a crossroads with more referee input required

Jonny Holland says increased referee input, such as interviews or former referees as co-commentators, would be a positive development for all rugby stakeholders

Rugby • 01 Nov 22

Jonny Holland reflects on the talking points from Leinster's win over the Sharks

Sexton has earned the right to referee conversations

Jonny Holland reflects on Leinster's win over the Sharks, and Johnny's Sextons conversations with referee Craig Evans

Rugby • 11 Oct 22

The length of TMO referrals has been an issue in rugby for several years

Jackman: Game needs to speed up before it can grow

Rugby's lawmakers need to get a grip on the number of stoppages in the game, according to Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 05 Oct 22

Ringrose and company will be aware that they lost control of the second half of their derby with Ulster

Ulster's game management cost them against Leinster

Leinster and Ulster served up a tight interprovincial derby and it was fine margins, mostly of game management and kicking that helped to decide the game.

Rugby • 04 Oct 22

'You don't want stronger players to get refereed with more scrutiny. However, it is up to Aki himself to use these strengths in the right way'

Aki clear-out was wrong, his reaction was worse

Bundee Aki got the punishment that his rucking action deserved but his reaction after being sent off was unacceptable, says Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 27 Sep 22

'In the season prior to the Rugby World Cup, law trials and variations will be kept to a minimum to allow for a certainty and consistency between coaches, players and the referee'

Rules aim to put rugby on front foot as World Cup looms

Ahead of the new URC season, Jonny Holland assesses the rugby rule book as the game looks to reward attacking rugby and protect players' safety.

Rugby • 16 Sep 22

'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 Test to examine some unproven players.

Rugby • 11 Jul 22

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 22

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 an exciting battle against the Maori All Blacks on Wednesday morning.

Rugby • 28 Jun 22

'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 provinces in United Rugby Championship action but for others, it's a time for farewells, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 21 Jun 22

'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 charge, he won't be picking from a confident and dominant Leinster side.

Rugby • 14 Jun 22

'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 22

'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 goal kicking really is.

Rugby • 10 May 22

'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 22

"We need to reduce the amount of head contacts, not argue to keep them in the game."

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 the right decision even if there wasn't intent of behalf of the offender.

Rugby • 12 Apr 22

'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 22

"This has been a key step in the right direction for so many reasons."

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 kicks in, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 22 Mar 22

'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 22

'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 comes to nullifying our biggest threats, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 08 Mar 22