MUNSTER AND IRISH rugby are mourning the passing of Jerry Holland at the age of 66, following illness.
A legendary former player, head coach, team manager and administrator with his native province, Cork man Holland was instrumental to Munster’s transition from amateurism to professionalism.
Holland, a three-times-capped Ireland international as a player, coached Munster to two Interprovincial Championships between 1994 and 1997. He also led them during their first Heineken Cup games, helping to ensure that Munster maintained an unbeaten home record in Europe under his watch.
Holland, father of former Munster and Ireland lock Billy Holland, was appointed Munster’s team manager in 2000 and helped the club to win two Heineken Cups in 2006 and 2008.
Since 2010, he had been director of rugby (and club president in 2016) at his beloved Cork Constitution, for whom he played as well as UCC during his AIL days at home in Cork.
Later in his playing career, Holland moved to Dublin where he represented Wanderers and Leinster.
He played three tests for Ireland, two on the summer tour to South Africa in 1981 and one more against Wales during the 1986 Five Nations. His son, Billy, was capped 30 years after his father last wore the Irish jersey.
In a statement offering condolences to his family and friends this afternoon, Munster described Holland as “a legend of rugby” in the province.
The IRFU also said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Holland’s passing.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Jerry Holland following illness.
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 13, 2022
A legend of rugby in Munster, Jerry excelled as a player, coach, team manager & administrator.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family & friends.
Rest in peace Holl 🌹
Everyone at #IrishRugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry Holland.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 13, 2022
Our thoughts are with Jerry's family and friends, and all of our colleagues at @MunsterRugby. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/rRtRTOFplI
So desperately sad, an absolute gent - sympathies and prayers to all the Holland Family and Friends #MunsterLegend #RIP https://t.co/jE1RVsBjxV
— Niamh Briggs (@niamhbriggs15) November 13, 2022
@Munsterrugby @IrishRugby together again men, RIP Holl. pic.twitter.com/mS8AoH2t5Z
— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) November 13, 2022
Gutted to hear of the passing of the great Jerry Holland, he thought me so much in my early days in the job and most of the important ones had nothing to do with the game, a real gentleman with incredible values as a person RIP Holl 🙏 https://t.co/GZ7CfAJ9nQ
— George Murray (@murrayg9) November 13, 2022
