Joe Schmidt ‘keeping eye on’ Munster’s Johnny Holland

Johnny Holland’s fine form for Munster has not gone unnoticed by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt who wants to see the out-half put himself into international contention next season.

Schmidt was forced to call up Ian Madigan to the Ireland squad this week after Johnny Sexton was ruled out of the tour because of shoulder surgery, but the New Zealander said that Holland’s performances for Munster had warranted consideration.

The 24-year-old broke into the Munster team in March and scored 47 points as the province won four of their last seven games to qualify for the Champions Cup. However, Holland is still feeling the after effects of his year-long recovery from a severe hamstring injury and Schmidt felt that it was prudent to allow the player take a break this summer.