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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.

LONG READ
Analysis

The Wallaby front row can move ahead of the curve in Argentina

Could returning behemoth Brandon Paenga-Amosa be the answer to Australia's scrum struggles?

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
27 Aug 2024, 10:56
LONG READ
Analysis

Rassie Erasmus, the ultimate high-stakes gambler, goes 'all-in' and wins big again

The Springbok supremo may make the most innovative use of the bench of any coach, in any sport.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
02 Sep 2024, 9:26
LONG READ
Analysis

Can Joe Schmidt create an 'Australian Way' punters will embrace?

Results aside, the new Wallabies coach will be judged most keenly on his attacking style.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
03 Sep 2024, 16:54
LONG READ
Analysis

Should rugby take the road less travelled?

The season denouements threw up a plethora of styles and stories - but which will prevail in the months ahead?

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2024, 11:38
LONG READ
Analysis

Will Wallaby revenge be served up hot against Wales in July?

Joe Schmidt isn't one for grandstanding but he will be relishing bringing down Warren Gatland's Wales on home turf

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
27 Jun 2024, 2:31
LONG READ
Analysis

Is Ireland versus South Africa a battle for the title of ‘world champions’?

Andy Farrell's men travel to South Africa in a less bullish mood than a matter of months ago due to some high-profile losses

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2024, 8:49
LONG READ
Analysis

Why Joe Schmidt cannot rely on the Brumbies' creaking tight five

The ACT franchise are traditional set-piece bastions, but show alarming signs of decline up front.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
18 Jun 2024, 11:54
LONG READ
Analysis

How England can shatter the All Blacks' Eden Park streak

Three decades have passed since a European team won at the Auckland stronghold, but England are good enough to make it happen.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2024, 3:24
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
11 Jun 2024, 3:55
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2024, 5:19
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
06 Jun 2024, 9:14
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
04 Jun 2024, 7:41
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
27 May 2024, 7:42
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
28 May 2024, 16:07
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
22 May 2024, 6:22
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
20 May 2024, 8:16
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
15 May 2024, 5:13
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
13 May 2024, 7:16
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
10 May 2024, 4:47
LONG READ
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
Nick Bishop
06 May 2024, 14:11
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