Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

'Andy Farrell has gained a lot of trust with how he manages the squad'

Physicality of modern game means rotation is everything

Ireland will require some good luck on the injury front at the upcoming World Cup in France, but squad depth will also be absolutely crucial if Andy Farrell's men are to go deep at the tournament.

Rugby • 29 Aug 23

'There are some players that are a lot less disposable than others'

Sexton ban possible blessing as warm-ups take toll

As the warm-up matches take their toll on players, Jonny Holland reflects on a funny period for Rugby World Cup hopefuls.

Rugby • 15 Aug 23

World Cup shadowboxing has begun in earnest

World Cup preparations still at shadowboxing stage

As teams begin the final stages of fine-tuning themselves ahead of the World Cup, it can be dangerous to read too much into what we're currently seeing on the rugby pitch.

Rugby • 08 Aug 23

Andy Farrell named his 42-man Rugby World Cup squad

End of season was unlikely to swing RWC squad - Holland

Jonny Holland says it's no surprise that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has stuck with what he knows in his World Cup training squad.

Rugby • 31 May 23

'Graham Rowntree is now a successful head coach and has found a way to bring this dormant giant back to winning ways'

Munster future bright as old and new hands deliver

Their unlikely URC triumph was just rewards for some long-serving Munster players but the youth of the team and the coaching staff provides great hope that more success could be on the way.

Rugby • 30 May 23

Jonny Holland reflects on what could be a landmark win for Munster

Munster are nearly back but need to complete the job

Jonny Holland says that Munster are nearly back to winning ways, but they are one more win from being there.

Jonny Holland • 16 May 23

'It's hard not to look at every collision and physio involvement without a small bit of dread'

Hard to avoid feeling of dread as collisions hit home

As the World Cup nears, Jonny Holland looks at every collision involving an Irish player in a different light.

Rugby • 09 May 23

'La Rochelle's firepower will cause Leinster problems if they can keep their discipline'

Leinster-La Rochelle rematch promises fitting crescendo

After two one-sided semi-finals, the final of the Champions Cup is the crescendo that we've all been waiting for.

Rugby • 02 May 23

'Play-off games bring a different energy compared to regular-season games'

Mistakes cost more in play-offs as URC hits quarters

All four Irish provinces remain in the hunt for the URC title and at least one will go through to the semi-finals.

Rugby • 25 Apr 23

More exposure to Springboks players and the style of game that their teams play will normalise the phenomenon that is South African rugby in elite competitions

South African familiarity a boost for World Cup hopes

Jonny Holland says the more Irish players play against South African sides at club level, the greater the boost it is for Ireland.

Rugby • 04 Apr 23

'If Irish rugby can fund everything below the professional game, the international game will be better for it'

IRFU missing a trick as women's team lose ground

The heavy defeat in Wales suggests Ireland are losing ground as the game goes professional and while the IRFU are making progress, Jonny Holland believes greater investment at all levels is crucial.

Rugby • 28 Mar 23

'The biggest learning watching Ireland at the weekend is that two inside-centres don't make a centre partnership'

Aki's defensive lapses evident in win over Italy

Jonny Holland runs a coach's eye over Ireland's Six Nations win against Italy and looks forward to the clash with Scotland on Sunday week.

Rugby • 28 Feb 23

'Ireland will be heavy favourites going into this game but Italy have the ability to cause trouble. A tough challenge awaits'

Don't expect wholesale squad rotation for Italian job

You can guarantee that Andy Farrell won't be blotting his Six Nations copybook because of an over eagerness to change the squad, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 21 Feb 23

'Italy and Ireland play similar styles of rugby with their pods of three forwards in the middle of the pitch and a lot of movement behind this from their backs'

Italy chaos hints at Irish blueprint for France clash

Ireland are no strangers to moving the play and will follow a similar blueprint against France in a Six Nations showdown between the top two sides in the world rankings, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 07 Feb 23

Jonny Holland: 'Wales in Cardiff is a tough start for Ireland, but one that can springboard them to a greater success this year'

Big Irish calls at centre, back three and on the bench

Ireland's team has a settled look to it, but Jonny Holland says the biggest calls will be made at centre, midfield and among the replacements.

Rugby • 31 Jan 23

'Ireland may be the top-ranked team in the world but they became so without having to face France in the November series'

Ireland biggest threat to France's Six Nations crown

Ireland's fixture schedule gives them a great chance of dethroning France but don't expect a Grand Slam in a what will be a hugely competitive Six Nations, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 24 Jan 23

'Rugby in those conditions is a different game'

La Rochelle-Ulster was a chess match played in a storm

A tactical and strategic battle played out in the eye of a Stade Marcel-Deflandre storm on Saturday - and Ulster almost judged it to perfection.

Rugby • 17 Jan 23

Europe means big calls and tough conversations in store

Team selections for European games generally tell us who the coach really regards as his best starting XV and the fallout can be difficult to manage, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 10 Jan 23

'When you take the attacking maul threat away from Ulster, they're beginning to look very average'

Munster turn corner as Ulster struggle for confidence

Ulster versus Munster was a battle of two teams trying to find their identity and ignite their season, according to RTÉ Rugby columnist Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 03 Jan 23

Munster closing gap but Leinster leading by example

Graham Rowntree gave an emotionally charged, and slightly negative response after Munster lost once more to their rivals, Leinster, in Thomond Park.

Rugby • 27 Dec 22

'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