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Liam Toland

Liam Toland

Rugby Analyst

Irish Times Rugby Analyst Liam Toland is a former professional rugby player, having played with Ireland A.,  Munster, captained Leinster and coached Lansdowne FC. He frequently appears on Newstalk’s rugby commentary and ‘Off the Ball’ and on ‘The Last Word with Matt Cooper' on TodayFM. Liam is a Habitat for Humanity Ambassador and a Patron with Sports Charitable Trust.

There is warranted worldwide regard for Sergio Parisse. When he carries the ball there is an aura around him.
A quality passing team like Leinster can score tries against Stade Francais

French scrum can have major impact but Leinster backrow can outrun opponents

In Niko Matawalu Glasgow have a speedster who could turn your blood inside out
Performance in Connacht shows Warriors’ threat to Leinster

Glasgow come to Dublin with 66 Pro 12 tries to their credit

Rory Best regathers after blocking down Dan Biggar’s kick in the lead-up to Cian Healy’s try against Wales. Just one example of the Ulster hooker’s skill, ambition and selflessness.
Warren Gatland’s three-tiered British and Irish Lions selection done with match-day 23 in mind

The challenge for Cian Healy, Seán O’Brien and others is to convince the coach their impact should start at kick- off

Clermont Auvergne’s scrumhalf Morgan Parra.
Munster challenge is to turn Clermont strengths into weaknesses

Lineout time ripe for Munster to set up an attack down the traditional outside channel

Munster's James Downey (top), Stephen Archer and Tommy O'Donnell tackle Seán O’Brien of Leinster during Saturday’s hectic RaboDirect Pro 12 encounter at Thomond Park. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho
Leinster and Munster show our game at its very best

Ireland could have between eight and 10 players in Lions squad

Rob Penney speaks to Peter O’Mahony prior to kickoff against Harlequins. The Munster coach got so much right on the day. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images
Yes, Munster were great, but Harlequins played right into their hands

Conor O’Shea’s side fell into a cunning trap

Saracens, with Charlie Hodgson (centre) at 10, are a very controlled, regimented Premiership side. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Image Saracens, with Charlie Hodgson (centre) at 10, are a very controlled, regimented Premiership side. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Image
Unrest all over, and it’s no different with our provinces

Can English wolves put out Irish fires?

Leinster's Ian Madigan runs in for a try against Glasgow last Saturday night. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho.
Ireland should go out on a limb with Madigan as it will bear fruit

Leinster outhalf has shown enough development and maturity to warrant a chance at the highest level

Irish rugby is in a crisis so the IRFU must develop a new culture from top down

Defeat in Rome should not signal the end of Kidney but the culture that put us there should

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