Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

"You'd go close to picking the All Blacks starting 15 from last weekend's clash between the Crusaders and the Blues"

Super options in most departments for New Zealand

There was much to enthuse about in the clash of Crusaders and the Blues.

Rugby • 14 Jul 20

'Teams will have to focus on their squad a lot more in the coming season'

Beware injury & 'new normal' practices as rugby returns

It may look like sport is back to normal but there are so many new aspects to get used to, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 30 Jun 20

Is attacking with the ball in your own half going to be a thing on the past?

Drop-goal and turnover glut as Super Rugby trials laws

As new interpretations on the laws of the game filter through in the Southern Hemisphere, Jonny Holland looks at how teams are adapting and what effect it is having on their attacking approach.

Rugby • 23 Jun 20

Challenging times can inspire coaching innovation

Being online and remote has challenged coaches to become more diligent and precise with explanations and advice, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 13 May 20

"You need to rip the plaster off quickly instead of the slow and agonising pain of dragging it out"

A more uncertain world than ever for sporting retirees

My retirement came at the very start of the season so it felt like things had dragged on for quite a while for me before I could attempt to cut ties because I had already kicked off the season with the current group.

Rugby • 05 May 20

'Sports gives us a whole lot more than the two hours that it is on the screen. There's a bond and a camaraderie with those that support the same team and organisation'

'Watching replayed sport is much like reheating a meal'

Watching replayed sport is something that just doesn't do it for me. Games are being screened by sports channels and sports teams' social channels, which is a great idea for those that miss the game and organisations are trying to keep their fan base interested, but I just can't do it.

Rugby • 28 Apr 20

Coping in a world of instant but distant connectivity

In this Covid-19 era, Johnny Holland believes that it is more important that ever to stay connected with family and friends "in a meaningful way in an ever increasing world of instant but distant connectivity".

Rugby • 21 Apr 20

'The running around during every hour of the waking day, trying to squash more of your to-do list into less hours is a recipe for disaster for your own health and possibly even your productivity'

Work smart and take a break - that's my lockdown recipe

We're all making sacrifices to flatten the curve, but Jonny Holland believes we can take benefit from this time without doing endless online fitness courses or completing a major project.

Rugby • 14 Apr 20

'We want to be as healthy as possible by supporting our immune function with whole foods containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants'

Good nutritional habits lead to many positive outcomes

During these restrictive times, the old proverb 'you are what you eat' has never been more true and staying on top of your dietary habits is a challenge, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 07 Apr 20

We need to infuse and unforeseeable future with as much stability as possible

Keeping connected key during era of social distancing

Sports stars and armchair fans need to prioritise their physical and mental health during lockdown, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 31 Mar 20

'There's no such way of boosting one's immune system, no matter what the cost of the supplement, but we can ensure that we stay healthy and support our immune system in every way possible'

Honeymoon period over but let's use time productively

Sleeping more, improving our cooking skills, building a home gym - there are plenty of ways to make use of this time at home

Rugby • 24 Mar 20

"With club gyms closed and and group training forbidden, it is a very strange time to be involved in elite sport"

Athletes must keep the stove warm without going too far

Johnny Holland on the added dilemma facing elite athletes and the steps they may be taking over the coming weeks of uncertainty.

Rugby • 20 Mar 20

'We saw a very high standard of rugby played between Twickenham and Murrayfield'

Ireland's watching brief throws up Six Nations intrigue

The two Six Nations matches that went ahead at the weekend in Ireland's absence threw up plenty of fascinating talking points, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 10 Mar 20

The future is bright with young provincial players

A lot of young stars are starting to take their opportunity in the Pro14, showing the strength of the Irish provinces at present.

Rugby • 03 Mar 20

'The other three provinces keep an eye on anybody that is not afforded game time in Leinster to pounce on an opportunity to sign them up but the reality is that there is loads of talent at home if we use them when the chances arise'

Munster must follow Leinster and give youth a chance

Munster's decision not to pick John Hodnett for the Pro14 match against Zebre was a strange call after the youngster had starred against Southern Kings, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 25 Feb 20

'There are some subtle changes playing into the wind like having to hold on to the ball for long periods and finding a way to take the pace out of the game'

Finding the right tactics key in poor weather

Poor weather conditions require tactical changes and how teams adapt to the challenge is key to the winning and losing of th egame

Rugby • 18 Feb 20

'If Irish people really care about going further in a World Cup then maybe that will have to be good enough to develop the style of play under new management'

Forget a Grand Slam - Ireland need to develop new style

It wasn't perfect against Wales, but there was certainly enough to show things are moving in the right direction under Andy Farrell, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 11 Feb 20

'Wales will come to Dublin with a stronger pack, in particular their back row, and a better ability to score tries than Scotland'

Ireland a work in progress ahead of stiffer Wales test

Despite a nervy win over Scotland, Ireland showed signs of attacking evolution in Andy Farrell's first game in charge and with some style tweaks could hurt Wales.

Rugby • 04 Feb 20

'The one thing Farrell doesn't want to do is make too many changes at once'

Farrell would be wise not to shed experienced names

Too often players have been retired in the minds of some of the public before the player has stopped adding value, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby • 21 Jan 20

'Not getting bonus points could prove costly in the standings'

Ulster & Munster pay price for lack of killer instinct

It was a disappointing weekend for three of the Irish provinces in Europe despite some positive performances, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 14 Jan 20

"Munster did have some tricks up their sleeve but it all felt very much like pattern plays that aren't as hard to defend"

Why Munster struggled to stop Ulster's forward momentum

Jonny Holland compares and contrasts the forward momentum generated by his former province Munster and Leinster in their respective Guinness Pro14 games against Ulster and Connacht

Munster • 07 Jan 20