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, 5:34
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
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, 9:05
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, 17:16
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, 4:42
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, 9:20
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, 15:41
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, 10:13
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, 5:39
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, 3:08
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, 4:28
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, 5:41
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, 3:57
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, 16:51
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
19 Mar 2025, 17:15
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
17 Mar 2025, 13:17
Analysis
Why the ‘State of Origin’ will have a big say in Schmidt’s Wallabies selection
Saturday's showdown between the Reds and Waratahs is not merely a clash of styles, but an Australia trial into the bargain.
Nick Bishop
13 Mar 2025, 16:20
Analysis
How Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks are winning rugby's secret information war
The flow of coaching talent from - and back to - South Africa underscores the shrewd calculation of their all-conquering supremo.
Nick Bishop
12 Mar 2025, 17:53
Analysis
Northern sides would toil in Super Rugby? The numbers say different
The tired old assumption rugby is stodgy and set-piece-dominated in the northern hemisphere does not stand up to scrutiny.
Nick Bishop
11 Mar 2025, 16:50
Analysis
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions abo…
Nick Bishop
10 Mar 2025, 8:38
Analysis
Will Vern Cotter succumb to second season Blues in Auckland?
'Stern Vern' has infused the champions with renewed steel, but can he continue to steer the franchise onwards?
Nick Bishop
05 Mar 2025, 17:32
