Nathan Johns
@nathanrjohns.bsky.social
✍️: @IrishTimesSport
Sometimes 🎤 with @hbv_live @rtesport @bbccricket @skysports @talksport
Musings on Irish cricket:
https://theparttimer.substack.com/
Sometimes 🎤 with @hbv_live @rtesport @bbccricket @skysports @talksport
Musings on Irish cricket:
https://theparttimer.substack.com/
Saturday morning pre-game analysis
From the start of World Rugby's head contact clampdown in 2019, Ireland have been among the game's best behaved.
Since 2024, though, Ireland have been among the worst offenders
Why are Ireland getting more and more cards?
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
From the start of World Rugby's head contact clampdown in 2019, Ireland have been among the game's best behaved.
Since 2024, though, Ireland have been among the worst offenders
Why are Ireland getting more and more cards?
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Ireland are receiving more cards than before – is it a problem and why is it happening?
Some may blame coaching or rule changes, but evidence suggests team behaviour is a factor, too
www.irishtimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Saturday morning pre-game analysis
From the start of World Rugby's head contact clampdown in 2019, Ireland have been among the game's best behaved.
Since 2024, though, Ireland have been among the worst offenders
Why are Ireland getting more and more cards?
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
From the start of World Rugby's head contact clampdown in 2019, Ireland have been among the game's best behaved.
Since 2024, though, Ireland have been among the worst offenders
Why are Ireland getting more and more cards?
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
IT rugby pod recording soon with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan. Any questions for the lads?
November 9, 2025 at 10:51 AM
IT rugby pod recording soon with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan. Any questions for the lads?
A lot of chatter yesterday about Ireland making zero line breaks.
A lesson, perhaps, in the importance of two things.
A) Be careful with live stats
B) Be careful with where you get your stats
24 hours on, the numbers change...
A lesson, perhaps, in the importance of two things.
A) Be careful with live stats
B) Be careful with where you get your stats
24 hours on, the numbers change...
November 2, 2025 at 6:26 PM
A lot of chatter yesterday about Ireland making zero line breaks.
A lesson, perhaps, in the importance of two things.
A) Be careful with live stats
B) Be careful with where you get your stats
24 hours on, the numbers change...
A lesson, perhaps, in the importance of two things.
A) Be careful with live stats
B) Be careful with where you get your stats
24 hours on, the numbers change...
Reposted by Nathan Johns
A lovely bit of analysis (as ever from Nathan) on the direction Ireland are going in, rather than some of the usual guff that's doing the rounds.
Ireland’s next attacking frontier? The counterattack
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Why perfecting the counterattack is central to Ireland’s World Cup evolution
Only time will tell if Andy Farrell’s side can evolve the way they need to
www.irishtimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:54 AM
A lovely bit of analysis (as ever from Nathan) on the direction Ireland are going in, rather than some of the usual guff that's doing the rounds.
Ireland’s next attacking frontier? The counterattack
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Why perfecting the counterattack is central to Ireland’s World Cup evolution
Only time will tell if Andy Farrell’s side can evolve the way they need to
www.irishtimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Ireland’s next attacking frontier? The counterattack
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Why becoming a better transition team is imperative this November.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon will miss the 2026 Six Nations after undergoing season-ending knee surgery
October 30, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon will miss the 2026 Six Nations after undergoing season-ending knee surgery
Rugby pod time soon for @irishtimes.com
Myself on duty with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.
Any questions for the lads?
Myself on duty with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.
Any questions for the lads?
October 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Rugby pod time soon for @irishtimes.com
Myself on duty with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.
Any questions for the lads?
Myself on duty with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.
Any questions for the lads?
Podding with Gordon D’Arcy for @irishtimes.com tomorrow
Any qs on the start of the provincial season so far?
Any qs on the start of the provincial season so far?
October 5, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Podding with Gordon D’Arcy for @irishtimes.com tomorrow
Any qs on the start of the provincial season so far?
Any qs on the start of the provincial season so far?
Reposted by Nathan Johns
"It was a calculated exercise. A coordinated shift up through the gears, one which needed to come earlier than it did. By contrast, England started at breakneck speed and only ever slowed to a canter | ✍️ @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
#IREvENG
#IREvENG
Rusty Ireland find their defences breached by Phil Salt's late-summer crusade | The Cricketer
The Irish avoided embarrassment against an England side that were disappointing with the ball but had enough firepower to ease into a series lead
www.thecricketer.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
"It was a calculated exercise. A coordinated shift up through the gears, one which needed to come earlier than it did. By contrast, England started at breakneck speed and only ever slowed to a canter | ✍️ @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
#IREvENG
#IREvENG
Reposted by Nathan Johns
"Not all good experiences are enjoyable experiences."
Sonny Baker looking ahead after tricky England debut | @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
Sonny Baker looking ahead after tricky England debut | @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
Sonny Baker looking ahead after England debut: Not all good experiences are enjoyable experiences | The Cricketer
Speaking in Dublin 24 hours before what should be a second attempt at a short-form debut, Sonny Baker manages to look back with some sense of perspective on his England bow against South Africa
www.thecricketer.com
September 20, 2025 at 2:43 PM
"Not all good experiences are enjoyable experiences."
Sonny Baker looking ahead after tricky England debut | @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
Sonny Baker looking ahead after tricky England debut | @nathanrjohns.bsky.social
Ireland were over-powered by the Black Ferns.
But they also played into their hands, failing to game plan their way out of the multitude of mismatches.
They were out-thought, out-played and out-coached.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
But they also played into their hands, failing to game plan their way out of the multitude of mismatches.
They were out-thought, out-played and out-coached.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Naive and ponderous Ireland fail to think their way past Kiwi power
Head coach Scott Bemand must quickly pick up the pieces ahead of quarter-final against France
www.irishtimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Ireland were over-powered by the Black Ferns.
But they also played into their hands, failing to game plan their way out of the multitude of mismatches.
They were out-thought, out-played and out-coached.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
But they also played into their hands, failing to game plan their way out of the multitude of mismatches.
They were out-thought, out-played and out-coached.
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Ireland were out-muscled by New Zealand.
No prizes for guessing what the post-match message from the Ireland camp was ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
No prizes for guessing what the post-match message from the Ireland camp was ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Monaghan urges Ireland to up physicality heading into World Cup knockout stages
Plenty of food for thought for Scott Bemand’s side after 40-0 defeat to Black Ferns in Brighton
www.irishtimes.com
September 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Ireland were out-muscled by New Zealand.
No prizes for guessing what the post-match message from the Ireland camp was ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
No prizes for guessing what the post-match message from the Ireland camp was ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Sounds like Sunday will come too soon for Aoife Wafer, despite ramping up her training this week
Story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Aoife Wafer is doubt for Ireland’s game against New Zealand despite return to training
Béibhinn Parsons is expected to come back into the 14 shirt
www.irishtimes.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Sounds like Sunday will come too soon for Aoife Wafer, despite ramping up her training this week
Story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
New Zealand's attack is good. If not scary good.
But how did Ireland slow it down in last year's win and is any of that replicable?
How about NZ's new threats? Jorja Miller anyone?
World Cup stats column ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
But how did Ireland slow it down in last year's win and is any of that replicable?
How about NZ's new threats? Jorja Miller anyone?
World Cup stats column ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
New Zealand will be a threat all over the park, but Ireland can do damage where it counts
With last year’s famous win over the Black Ferns fresh in the memory, Scott Bemand’s side will hope to repeat the dose
www.irishtimes.com
September 3, 2025 at 2:44 PM
New Zealand's attack is good. If not scary good.
But how did Ireland slow it down in last year's win and is any of that replicable?
How about NZ's new threats? Jorja Miller anyone?
World Cup stats column ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
But how did Ireland slow it down in last year's win and is any of that replicable?
How about NZ's new threats? Jorja Miller anyone?
World Cup stats column ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Ahead of the Kiwi pool decider, are Ireland simply beating average teams or trending in the right direction?
They certainly are starting to look more adaptable, of scoring in different ways
Analysis 👇
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
They certainly are starting to look more adaptable, of scoring in different ways
Analysis 👇
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
‘Fire more shots’: Scott Bemand wants Ireland to show growth against New Zealand
Head coach knows side must keep improving after 14 errors in victory over Spain
www.irishtimes.com
September 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Ahead of the Kiwi pool decider, are Ireland simply beating average teams or trending in the right direction?
They certainly are starting to look more adaptable, of scoring in different ways
Analysis 👇
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
They certainly are starting to look more adaptable, of scoring in different ways
Analysis 👇
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Sam Monaghan struggling with a leg injury here.
Brittany Hogan getting ready to replace her
Brittany Hogan getting ready to replace her
August 31, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Sam Monaghan struggling with a leg injury here.
Brittany Hogan getting ready to replace her
Brittany Hogan getting ready to replace her
As revealed on Thursday, Edel McMahon and Béibhinn Parsons won't feature for Ireland on Sunday
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
McMahon and Parsons left out as Ireland ring the changes for Spain
Head coach Scott Bemand makes seven changes from side which played first game with Sam Monaghan taking over captaincy duties
www.irishtimes.com
August 29, 2025 at 10:26 AM
As revealed on Thursday, Edel McMahon and Béibhinn Parsons won't feature for Ireland on Sunday
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Rotation set to be the order of the day for Ireland.
No Wafer as expected, but Parsons and McMahon also likely to be rested.
Full story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
No Wafer as expected, but Parsons and McMahon also likely to be rested.
Full story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Rugby World Cup: Ireland set to name a much-changed line-up for Spain game
Former England international Ellena Perry set to make her first Ireland start at loosehead
www.irishtimes.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Rotation set to be the order of the day for Ireland.
No Wafer as expected, but Parsons and McMahon also likely to be rested.
Full story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
No Wafer as expected, but Parsons and McMahon also likely to be rested.
Full story ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Sunday could easily have been an overwhelming occasion, given the history behind Ireland missing the last World Cup
Yet players were waving at family and smiling mischievously in the warm-up
This is an Ireland team comfortable in its own skin
More ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Yet players were waving at family and smiling mischievously in the warm-up
This is an Ireland team comfortable in its own skin
More ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Rugby World Cup: Ireland ride green wave of positivity to win their opening game against Japan
After missing the 2021 edition, Scott Bemand’s squad were ‘desperate for a game’ and psychologically ready for the challenge
www.irishtimes.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Sunday could easily have been an overwhelming occasion, given the history behind Ireland missing the last World Cup
Yet players were waving at family and smiling mischievously in the warm-up
This is an Ireland team comfortable in its own skin
More ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Yet players were waving at family and smiling mischievously in the warm-up
This is an Ireland team comfortable in its own skin
More ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
One of Ireland’s coaches still scrums against his front rows
Another coaches the Munster men in part by showing clips of the Irish women’s lineout
A piece on two of the more interesting coaching trends of this World Cup ⬇️
www.rugbypass.com/plus/ireland...
Another coaches the Munster men in part by showing clips of the Irish women’s lineout
A piece on two of the more interesting coaching trends of this World Cup ⬇️
www.rugbypass.com/plus/ireland...
Ireland benefitting as coaches transfer knowledge from men's to women's rugby
What has caused Ireland's improvement in their set piece heading into the World Cup? Ask players and each of them points in the direction of a coaching staff leaning on its experience in men’s rugby t...
www.rugbypass.com
August 24, 2025 at 10:24 AM
One of Ireland’s coaches still scrums against his front rows
Another coaches the Munster men in part by showing clips of the Irish women’s lineout
A piece on two of the more interesting coaching trends of this World Cup ⬇️
www.rugbypass.com/plus/ireland...
Another coaches the Munster men in part by showing clips of the Irish women’s lineout
A piece on two of the more interesting coaching trends of this World Cup ⬇️
www.rugbypass.com/plus/ireland...
Irish rugby has produced multiple top-end speedsters in the women's game. It's a stark contrast to the men's need for speed.
Stacey Flood agrees that Ireland's pace is one of their most exciting attributes. She was on good form explaining why that is⬇️
www.the42.ie/we-have-that...
Stacey Flood agrees that Ireland's pace is one of their most exciting attributes. She was on good form explaining why that is⬇️
www.the42.ie/we-have-that...
'We have that pace within the squad, the whole load of them are so fast'
Stacey Flood on Ireland’s strength in depth.
www.the42.ie
August 21, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Irish rugby has produced multiple top-end speedsters in the women's game. It's a stark contrast to the men's need for speed.
Stacey Flood agrees that Ireland's pace is one of their most exciting attributes. She was on good form explaining why that is⬇️
www.the42.ie/we-have-that...
Stacey Flood agrees that Ireland's pace is one of their most exciting attributes. She was on good form explaining why that is⬇️
www.the42.ie/we-have-that...
Aoife Wafer has been officially ruled out of Ireland's World Cup opener
August 20, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Aoife Wafer has been officially ruled out of Ireland's World Cup opener
Understandably, when Ireland transitioned away from Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park’s influence grew
Yet now he’s playing with an experienced 10 again in Russell, he is still the most important man on the pitch
JGP’s numbers don’t lie - he is Farrell’s main man
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Yet now he’s playing with an experienced 10 again in Russell, he is still the most important man on the pitch
JGP’s numbers don’t lie - he is Farrell’s main man
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Jamison Gibson-Park’s numbers don’t lie – Ireland is a scrumhalf country
Forget the cultural hold of the outhalf, it is very clear who is Andy Farrell’s ‘go-to man’
www.irishtimes.com
August 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Understandably, when Ireland transitioned away from Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park’s influence grew
Yet now he’s playing with an experienced 10 again in Russell, he is still the most important man on the pitch
JGP’s numbers don’t lie - he is Farrell’s main man
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Yet now he’s playing with an experienced 10 again in Russell, he is still the most important man on the pitch
JGP’s numbers don’t lie - he is Farrell’s main man
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Since leaving Ireland, Joe Schmidt has coached twice against Andy Farrell-led sides.
On both occasions, Ireland were left with a bloody nose. Is there a precedent for how to beat Farrell and the Lions?
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
On both occasions, Ireland were left with a bloody nose. Is there a precedent for how to beat Farrell and the Lions?
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Joe Schmidt’s masterplan - how former Ireland boss might attack former apprentice Andy Farrell
While working with New Zealand, Schmidt exposed some Irish flaws at the Rugby World Cup
www.irishtimes.com
July 17, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Since leaving Ireland, Joe Schmidt has coached twice against Andy Farrell-led sides.
On both occasions, Ireland were left with a bloody nose. Is there a precedent for how to beat Farrell and the Lions?
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
On both occasions, Ireland were left with a bloody nose. Is there a precedent for how to beat Farrell and the Lions?
Analysis ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Just catching up on the highlights of a second (ish) string France running the All Blacks close.
A good excuse to bring this piece from the 6N back to life. A look at how France's depth is so good compared to other nations ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
A good excuse to bring this piece from the 6N back to life. A look at how France's depth is so good compared to other nations ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
Are France better than Ireland at developing young rugby players?
Fabien Galthié's senior squad is sprinkled with young stars, but let’s talk about the definition of success
www.irishtimes.com
July 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Just catching up on the highlights of a second (ish) string France running the All Blacks close.
A good excuse to bring this piece from the 6N back to life. A look at how France's depth is so good compared to other nations ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...
A good excuse to bring this piece from the 6N back to life. A look at how France's depth is so good compared to other nations ⬇️
www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/...