Analysis
Are Bordeaux-Begles, not Toulouse, the future of French rugby?
UBB's Champions Cup triumph and their plethora of free-wheeling internationals have shifted expectations for a France side shorn o…
Nick Bishop
27 May 2025, 12:56
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.
Analysis
Should the All Blacks return the fabled number seven jersey to Ardie Savea?
He's an indispensable member of the All Blacks pack, but which position best suits the barnstorming Moana Pasifika talisman?
Nick Bishop
26 May 2025, 15:36
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
17 May 2025, 0:53
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
12 May 2025, 14:59
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
12 May 2025, 3:44
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
09 May 2025, 5:11
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
05 May 2025, 14:18
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
05 May 2025, 2:34
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
29 Apr 2025, 6:05
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
27 Apr 2025, 14:16
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
24 Apr 2025, 1:42
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
23 Apr 2025, 6:20
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
16 Apr 2025, 12:41
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
15 Apr 2025, 7:13
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
14 Apr 2025, 2:39
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
10 Apr 2025, 0:08
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
09 Apr 2025, 1:28
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
07 Apr 2025, 2:41
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
01 Apr 2025, 0:57
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
31 Mar 2025, 13:51
