Analysis
Why a Northampton Saints title was crucial for the Premiership
Phil Dowson's men are England's standard-bearers and play an attacking style which is so brilliantly marketable for the league.
Nick Bishop
11 Jun 2024, 3:55
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 the 'un-Australian' Brumbies are flying the flag in Super Rugby
Stephen Larkham's men play pragmatic stuff, but it has propelled them to another semi-final.
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2024, 5:19
Analysis
Million-pound man Finn Russell is worth every penny to Bath
The once-flaky Scotland fly-half is running games with beautiful, ruthless efficiency as Bath seek an end to their Premiership dro…
Nick Bishop
06 Jun 2024, 9:14
Analysis
How can Rugby Australia fit five into four after Rebels' demise?
The governing body must do everything in its power to find domestic homes for the Rebels' soon-to-be-unemployed squad.
Nick Bishop
04 Jun 2024, 7:41
Analysis
Jack Willis' Champions Cup masterclass proves English eligibility rules need a rethink
Imagine what the burgeoning Toulouse tyro could do wearing the white jersey of his country.
Nick Bishop
28 May 2024, 16:07
Analysis
Waratahs 'counter-culture' limits Wallaby options for Joe Schmidt
Darren Coleman's sacking is indicative of an unstable franchise which will concern the new Australia boss.
Nick Bishop
27 May 2024, 7:42
Analysis
Why Auckland blue is primed to take over from Canterbury red and black
The Blues have the makings of a champion Super Rugby side, underpinned by two awesome wingers.
Nick Bishop
22 May 2024, 6:22
Analysis
How the line between forwards and backs is becoming a blur
Wallaby back-row Fraser McReight is the prototype of a player who can feature in or behind the scrum.
Nick Bishop
20 May 2024, 8:16
Analysis
Why iron-willed Owen Farrell is still one of the world's best
The Saracen may soon be lost to England duty, but remains a bristling string-puller at the highest level.
Nick Bishop
15 May 2024, 5:13
Exclusive
Geoff Parling: 'Australian players are realising they can live with these Kiwis'
The new Wallaby lineout guru with the sharp tactical brain hopes to carry Super Rugby confidence to the Test arena.
Nick Bishop
13 May 2024, 7:16
Analysis
Why European rugby is in danger of death-by-monopoly
The emergence of three super clubs may threaten the Investec Champions Cup, but there is a solution.
Nick Bishop
10 May 2024, 4:47
Analysis
Jacques Nienaber's 'offensive defence' moved Leinster closer to the cherished fifth star
The South African supremo's rearguard action stymied the best attack in England at Croke Park.
Nick Bishop
06 May 2024, 14:11
Analysis
How Reds duo could give Joe Schmidt vital backline power
Suliasi Vunivalu and Hunter Paisami may be key men for the Wallabies as they shine under Less Kiss' supervision.
Nick Bishop
06 May 2024, 14:04
Analysis
Charlie Cale may be the answer to Joe Schmidt's back-row prayers
The young Brumby has potential to become Australia's go-to number eight.
Nick Bishop
22 Apr 2024, 5:13
Analysis
How Leinster neutralised 'long-in-the-tooth' La Rochelle
The Irish province slew their great foe, prompting questions about the serial champions' age profile.
Nick Bishop
18 Apr 2024, 10:40
Analysis
Swashbuckling Hurricanes and Harlequins show scrum still matters
Two traditionally free-wheeling attacking sides have built huge victories on their set-piece excellence.
Nick Bishop
16 Apr 2024, 9:09
Analysis
Why the Rebels will not go gently into that good night
The Melbourne franchise are responding emphatically to another Australian rugby crisis.
Nick Bishop
15 Apr 2024, 7:43
Analysis
Jacques Nienaber's quest for a fifth Leinster star burns brightly
Leinster's champion coach and his charges must conquer their white whale, La Rochelle, to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals.
Nick Bishop
10 Apr 2024, 8:08
Analysis
Is Australian rugby making another exorbitant mistake?
In paying big for, and then misusing, Max Jorgensen, Rugby Australia may cause itself more problems.
Nick Bishop
08 Apr 2024, 6:44
Analysis
Joe Schmidt must make political sacrifices to ensure Wallaby success
The new Australia boss may be forced to omit a slew of Waratahs from his first squad.
Nick Bishop
04 Apr 2024, 10:59
