Pat Spillane slams rugby analysis ‘old boys’ in epic rant

He didn't hold back.

Pat Spillane was in top form for his latest column with the Irish Independents, taking aim at multiple sports and the people who analyse them.

The Kerry icon was less than enthused over some of sport's biggest tournaments, including the Ashes and the Premier League.

However, it was rugby that took the brunt of his slagging, with Spillane ripping into the viewing experience and the 'old boys' network of players and coaches who commentate on the sport.

He wrote: "Cricket’s Ashes series was over after three games. Boring. The Premier League is proving really predictable, already looking a two-team race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Wolves and Burnley are already virtually relegated. And don’t get me started on rugby, with its box-kicking and running after the ball – a horror show.

"In soccer there are too many commentating when their own teams are involved. Palsy-walsy, harmless stuff.

"In rugby analysis, it is an old boys’ network of people who are too familiar with the teams, too familiar with the coaches, too familiar in many cases with the players. Critical analysis? You must be joking."

The 70-year-old reserved most of his praise for last weekend's GAA - with An Ghaeltacht and Sallins facing off in the All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final, and Ballyboden and Dingle playing in the Senior semi - describing the contests as the best sport from Christmas and the New Year.