Exclusive
Autumn Nations Series
Contributors
Francisco Isaac
@francisaac87
A trained historian by day, Francisco covers the Rugby Europe Championship for Rugby Europe, Rugby World Magazine, Planet Rugby, and Talking Rugby Union. He works closely with the emerging European nations, providing stories from countries such as Portugal, Romania, Georgia and Spain.
20 Articles
Latest
47 days ago International Rugby
The joy, spirit and obstacles of the rugby pilgrim
82 days ago British & Irish Lions
Why the British and Irish Lions should face the Pacific Islands
89 days ago wxv-3
Laura 'Bimba' Delgado: 'I won't stop playing unless they retire me'
117 days ago Top 14
Why France has become rugby's land of milk and honey
Exclusive
Pablo Lemoine: 'South America is the best region to grow rugby'
The Chile supremo talks stresses, joy, the South American masterplan and road to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Francisco Isaac
01 Aug 2024, 13:00
Analysis
Rugby at the Olympic Games - from the romantic to the ridiculous
From Moseley Wanderers to Romanian trailblazers, rugby has a fascinating relationship with sport's blue-riband event.
Francisco Isaac
13 Jul 2024, 13:20
Interview
Can a new video game inspire a generation like Jonah Lomu Rugby?
Could Rugby 24 have a similar impact to the celebrated game featuring the All Blacks icon?
Francisco Isaac
26 Jun 2024, 4:27
Interview
Ukraine: 'We have lost so many players to the war, I have no words for how revolting it is'
The Ukrainian rugby community shares its resolve to keep the sport going amid the horrors of war.
Francisco Isaac
11 Jun 2024, 5:01
Exclusive
'I started to think, is all this worth it? Is it worth living?'
Mental health is a hugely important issue in modern-day society, and the sport of rugby is no different.
Francisco Isaac
28 May 2024, 3:24
Analysis
Is South America rugby's new promised land?
The South American nations have shown tantalising potential, but harnessing it is another matter.
Francisco Isaac
08 May 2024, 6:13
Exclusive
Thierry Futeu: 'The policeman chased me, I pretended to throw a stone at his head and ran for the border'
The Cameroon-born Spain prop has the most arresting back story of robbery, refugee camps and a quest for citizenship.
Francisco Isaac
25 Apr 2024, 6:20
Analysis
How agents have helped emerging nations talent triumph
Rugby agents have opened doors and fuelled big moves for talented athletes from diverse and less heralded international background…
Francisco Isaac
19 Apr 2024, 6:45
Analysis
The ProD2: Rugby's land of opportunity
The French second tier provides a vital platform for emerging nations talent to flourish.
Francisco Isaac
15 Apr 2024, 12:57
Interview
Passion, abuse and anxiety - the life of a 'Tier Two' referee
Top officials from Georgia and Portugal lift the lid on their eventful career paths.
Francisco Isaac
05 Apr 2024, 9:07
Analysis
Rugby Europe's finals day promises to be spectacle to remember
Houdinis and clairvoyants converge on the city of love as the Rugby Europe Championship culminates in style.
Francisco Isaac
15 Mar 2024, 5:27
Analysis
Portugal v Spain: History and controversy collide in rivalry for the ages
Clashes between the Iberian brothers always produce a rich and resonant backdrop.
Francisco Isaac
29 Feb 2024, 3:13
Exclusive
Can Romania awake from deep and disheartening slumber?
The Oaks have fallen a long way from the glory days of the 1980s, and face an uncertain future.
Francisco Isaac
26 Feb 2024, 13:11
Exclusive
A French club's 'Moneyball' approach to scouting Tier Two talent
Aurillac is going all-in on emerging nations youngsters - and their plan is working.
Francisco Isaac
09 Feb 2024, 3:39
Opinion
What next for Portugal?
Portugal stole hearts and made history at the Rugby World Cup, but their future is shrouded in doubt.
Francisco Isaac
26 Jan 2024, 4:15
