Analysis
What is the future of rugby in 2025?
Can Bristol Bears' irresistible all-court attack point the way for rugby in the next 12 months?
Nick Bishop
23 Dec 2024, 6:15
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
The Fergus Burke test and rugby's free market
Eligible for New Zealand, England and Scotland, the new Saracens playmaker may have a big decision ahead.
Nick Bishop
31 Dec 2024, 9:36
Analysis
The future of rugby: Sale and Leinster mount the case for the defence
After the Black Ferns and Bristol Bears set the tactical tone, the English and Irish juggernauts offer a bruising rebuttal.
Nick Bishop
01 Jan 2025, 4:36
Analysis
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions
Concentrating talent across a quartet of franchises could bolster Australian rugby from the ground up.
Nick Bishop
06 Jan 2025, 4:49
Analysis
Can Leicester Fainga'anuku play centre for the All Blacks?
Having undergone a French makeover at Toulon, the powerhouse back could be the ideal candidate at outside centre.
Nick Bishop
06 Jan 2025, 17:33
Analysis
Should Tom Willis start for England in the Six Nations?
The Saracens number eight has been in irrepressible domestic form, but does he suit Steve Borthwick's game plan?
Nick Bishop
08 Jan 2025, 9:11
Analysis
How law changes are speeding up the game - but the scrum lags behind
World Rugby has made great strides with recent tweaks to the lawbook, but scrums remain a major 'time-loser'.
Nick Bishop
13 Jan 2025, 4:23
Analysis
Did the best of Ireland leave with Johnny Sexton and Stuart Lancaster?
New Zealand exerted the 'Aviva squeeze' on an Irish team which looks to have lost its innovative lustre.
Nick Bishop
11 Nov 2024, 7:32
Analysis
How can Scott Robertson revive the All Blacks’ playmaking ‘triple threat’?
The halcyon days of Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are long gone and the new pieces of the puzzle don't mesh together.
Nick Bishop
07 Nov 2024, 13:44
Analysis
Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?
Having been spoiled by the giants of the past, New Zealand have been caught up by the rest of the world.
Nick Bishop
05 Nov 2024, 2:27
Analysis
'Freelancer' Izaia Perese shows the need for true inclusivity in Australian rugby
Omitted from the November squads, the Leicester Tiger underscores why the Wallabies must broaden their selection horizons.
Nick Bishop
29 Oct 2024, 4:58
Analysis
What must England relearn to conquer the All Blacks?
An attack-minded Premiership and the travails of July highlight lessons Steve Borthwick's troops must heed on Saturday.
Nick Bishop
28 Oct 2024, 6:30
Analysis
Why Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i must not become Folau 2.0
Joe Schmidt needs time - and patience - to mould and tutor his shiny new rugby league recruit.
Nick Bishop
21 Oct 2024, 16:50
Analysis
Bad blood swirls as the All Blacks head north
New Zealand will be underdogs in at least two of their November Tests - and that has probably never happened before.
Nick Bishop
21 Oct 2024, 4:22
Analysis
The stats show the club v country wounds may never heal
How many minutes do top players actually play? And why can't France take their front-liners to New Zealand?
Nick Bishop
15 Oct 2024, 5:40
Analysis
How Quins' Jason Gilmore is making the Wallabies' case for the defence
The Queenslander has brought defensive excellence to a team whose DNA is all-out attack.
Nick Bishop
14 Oct 2024, 17:07
Analysis
The 'magic 64' could turn Australia's fortunes this November
Running an Australia XV tour alongside the Wallabies' voyage is a smart decision which may pay big dividends.
Nick Bishop
09 Oct 2024, 5:34
Analysis
Will the withdrawal of the ‘top 20’ devalue France’s tour of New Zealand?
In resting Antoine Dupont and the rest of his 'premiums', has Fabien Galthie undermined a mouth-watering voyage?
Nick Bishop
07 Oct 2024, 6:15
Analysis
Boks and Pumas lead southern charge, but the north are ahead of the game
South Africa and Argentina made impressive strides as the Rugby Championship power balance shifts.
Nick Bishop
02 Oct 2024, 5:10
Analysis
Does Joe Schmidt need to change his Wallabies captain?
Harry Wilson has handled the role with admirable maturity, but may not be guaranteed a starting spot.
Nick Bishop
30 Sep 2024, 6:51
