Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Contributors

Nick Bishop

Nick Bishop was rugby analyst/advisor to Graham Henry (1999-2003) and Mike Ruddock (2004-2006) with Wales. He has worked with Stuart Lancaster for England (2012-2015), Leinster (2016-2022) and currently for Racing 92 in France’s Top 14. Three of his four rugby books have shortlisted for, or won national sports book awards.

308 Articles
LONG READ
Analysis

How long can South Africa hedge their bets in both hemispheres?

While Rassie Erasmus' Springboks have conquered all in their path, the ex-Super Rugby franchises have struggled to deliver at the …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 May 2025, 2:53
LONG READ
Analysis

How the Chiefs have become Super Rugby Pacific's ultimate finishers

Clayton McMillan's impact subs and dynamism off the bench have made the Chiefs stronger at the end of matches than they are at the…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
12 May 2025, 16:59
LONG READ
Analysis

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

If they get their selection right, and see Andrew Porter's driving angle penalised, the Wallabies could turn a traditional weaknes…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
12 May 2025, 5:44
LONG READ
Analysis

As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

With England growing and Ireland's dominance seemingly on the wane, has the Lions coach backed the right horses to defeat Australi…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
09 May 2025, 7:11
LONG READ
Analysis

Elegant or turbulent? Can Les give the Wallabies the Kiss of Life?  

Is the Queensland boss the right man to lead Australia forward? And will Joe Schmidt be tempted to stick around for Rugby World Cu…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
05 May 2025, 16:18
LONG READ
Analysis

Why ‘the curse of the Bambino’ is still stronger than ever at Leinster

Northampton Saints found a way of beating the fabled Jacques Nienaber blitz and inflicting another 'horrific' Champions Cup loss o…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
05 May 2025, 4:34
LONG READ
Analysis

How France injected new life into women's rugby at Twickenham

Les Bleues demonstrated the mighty Red Roses can be toppled, even if they didn't quite manage to derail another Grand Slam triumph…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
29 Apr 2025, 8:05
LONG READ
Analysis

James O'Connor, the Lions and the great club v country conundrum

Sabbaticals may provide the silver bullet to one of rugby's greatest issues, the competing interests of club and country.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
27 Apr 2025, 16:16
LONG READ
Analysis

How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

The Springbok Supremo's use of the bench has been heavily - and unfairly - criticised, but he remains at the cutting edge of rugby…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
24 Apr 2025, 3:42
LONG READ
Analysis

'Haves and have nots': The Six Nations numbers reveal hidden truths

World Rugby's statistical review shows an uptick in points and drama, but more issues at scrum time and questions about beefy benc…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
23 Apr 2025, 8:20
LONG READ
Analysis

Why the Brumbies are still the best team in Australia

Until they can find a way to enjoy kicking penalty goals as much as they like to convert tries, the Reds will not unseat their Can…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
16 Apr 2025, 14:41
LONG READ
Analysis

Jacques Nienaber's Galactico recruits are driving Leinster towards a fifth star

Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman have added seismic strength and skill to the province, and could be the key ingredients of their Cham…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
15 Apr 2025, 9:13
LONG READ
Analysis

How key Waratahs playmakers could reshape Joe Schmidt's Wallabies backline

Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi could provide Schmidt with a new and fruitful string-pulling axis with the Lions tour looming.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
14 Apr 2025, 4:39
LONG READ
Analysis

Can Rugby Australia afford to go ‘all in’ on the Queensland Reds?

The Queensland Reds are the outstanding Australian franchise so it would be a risk to move the entire coaching team to the Wallabi…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
10 Apr 2025, 2:08
LONG READ
Analysis

Why French rugby would be poorer if Ronan O'Gara leaves La Rochelle

La Rochelle's might was undone by Munster grit but the external influences of coaches like Ronan O'Gara and Shaun Edwards should b…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
09 Apr 2025, 3:28
LONG READ
Exclusive

Geoff Parling: An Englishman roasting the Lions?

A star of the 2013 series, the respected former lock is plotting the tourists' demise as Australia's lineout guru.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
07 Apr 2025, 4:41
LONG READ
Analysis

Can Samoa and Tonga ever become contenders when their top talent is skimmed?

With Kyren Taumoefolau linked with an All Blacks switch, can his franchise catapult Pasifika nations into permanent Tier One conte…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
01 Apr 2025, 2:57
LONG READ
Analysis

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

The wily duo, combined with a Moneyball-style approach, could build on the impressive foundations laid by Joe Schmidt.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
31 Mar 2025, 15:51
LONG READ
Analysis

Can 'Tongan Thor' rediscover his strength before the Lions arrive?

Taniela Tupou's form has tailed off in New South Wales, and how his franchise and national teams need the mighty prop at his best.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
19 Mar 2025, 16:15
LONG READ
Analysis

Did innovative England emerge strongest from the Six Nations?

Steve Borthwick's deluge of back-rowers and clever use of the bench points the way forward for teams who cannot deploy a bruising …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 Mar 2025, 12:17
Search