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.
Saturday's showdown between the Reds and Waratahs is not merely a clash of styles, but an Australia trial into the bargain.
The flow of coaching talent from - and back to - South Africa underscores the shrewd calculation of their all-conquering supremo.
The tired old assumption rugby is stodgy and set-piece-dominated in the northern hemisphere does not stand up to scrutiny.
Shorn of their greatest talent, Les Bleus eviscerated their fancied hosts with a blend of power and panache, raising questions abo…
'Stern Vern' has infused the champions with renewed steel, but can he continue to steer the franchise onwards?
Super Rugby may be 'shrinking to glory', and the Australians are the driving force behind an enticing new season.
Player 'hubs' in Europe, coupled with the rise of domestic franchises, can pave the way towards a bright Wallaby future.
Back-to-back victories by a single point have buoyed the Red Rose, while raising further questions about the team's progression.
There are hallmarks of Joseph's 2015 Super Rugby champions in his newly assembled crop of a decade later.
The longer Richie Mo'unga remains in Japan, the greater the dearth of emerging New Zealand fly-halves seems to grow.
The supremely talented Wallaby has shown he can exceed the levels reached by Israel Folau in a green and gold jersey.
The interim head coach has scant time to address massive issues, but can implement short-term change.
As England prevail, Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions face seminal decisions with the series looming large.
Steve Borthwick's new playmaking axis had a huge bearing on a seminal English win on Saturday evening.
The all-consuming demands of the Top 14 may actually harm the 'golden generation' and their quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Amid off-field reviews and on-field losses, both heavyweight coaches are under pressure to deliver.
Young players are leaving, Joe Schmidt's future is unclear and the vaunted high-performance guru has already gone, painting a pict…
Can England arrest their late woes, Wales emerge from the darkness and Italy continue rising high?
Can ageing Ireland deliver? Or is it finally Scotland's year? A statistical deep dive into the runners and riders of rugby's ultim…
The free-flowing, extroverted Premiership may have grave consequences for Steve Borthwick's England defence.
