Analysis
Australia 'should thank its lucky stars' for methodical Kiwi Schmidt
The new Wallabies coach has the essential ingredients to succeed across the Tasman Sea.
Nick Bishop
22 Jan 2024, 9:42
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
Can Munster shift Ireland's natural order this Six Nations?
Burgeoning stars from the Thomond Park province are threatening Leinster's dominance of the Ireland team.
Nick Bishop
18 Jan 2024, 8:05
Analysis
How the big boys of Europe pulverised England's Champions Cup hopefuls
Brutal lessons have been dished out by La Rochelle, Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles.
Nick Bishop
17 Jan 2024, 3:41
Analysis
Can the Tongan Thor inspire Australia's toiling Super Rugby franchises?
The Rebels, who have signed hulking Taniela Tupou, and Western Force have long struggled to put wins together.
Nick Bishop
10 Jan 2024, 12:56
Analysis
Why Owen Farrell moving to Paris would be good for English rugby
The flow of talent across the Channel is creating a more sustainable and competitive Premiership.
Nick Bishop
08 Jan 2024, 7:12
Analysis
Why Smith needs a bodyguard and a footballer to thrive for England
Marcus Smith's supporting cast are vital to the young Harlequin's England prospects.
Nick Bishop
04 Jan 2024, 12:17
Analysis
Is young prince Marcus Smith ready for the England throne?
The electric Harlequin is showing maturity and strategy which will delight Steve Borthwick.
Nick Bishop
03 Jan 2024, 3:15
Analysis
Joe Schmidt can lead Wallabies' reclamation - but only if Australia lets him
Aussie rugby needs clarity, and if a New Zealander is the man to deliver it, then so what?
Nick Bishop
24 Dec 2023, 12:20
Analysis
'The bigger the behemoth, the closer to silverware you get'
Emmanuel Meafou is the latest next-level bruiser primed to hit the Test stage.
Nick Bishop
21 Dec 2023, 6:45
Analysis
Leinster's seismic tactical shift could bring philosophical turbulence for Ireland
Jacques Nienaber's arrival could spark a major change in Leinster - and Ireland's - approach.
Nick Bishop
18 Dec 2023, 8:21
Analysis
Eddie Jones: coaching genius or court jester?
The returning Japan supremo works in a world of lightning speed and sudden contradiction.
Nick Bishop
14 Dec 2023, 6:14
Analysis
'Exeter Chiefs represent the straight-shooting honesty of English rugby'
Rob Baxter's model showed the way on a huge Champions Cup weekend for English clubs.
Nick Bishop
12 Dec 2023, 5:32
Analysis
Why Dan McKellar has found a second home at Welford Road
The Wallabies are reeling from the high-profile defection of Mark Nawaqanitawase but the progress of Dan McKellar should soften th…
Nick Bishop
08 Dec 2023, 5:10
Analysis
A rivalry for the ages : why Ireland and South Africa can lead a new world order
Battles between these two rugby powerhouses are set to dominate the landscape at club and Test level.
Nick Bishop
05 Dec 2023, 13:34
Analysis
'Owen Farrell is another prophet railroaded out of his own land - who can replace him?'
Will George Ford or Marcus Smith fill the void left by the England totem?
Nick Bishop
04 Dec 2023, 11:03
Analysis
Why Miles Amatosero can be the Wallabies' next Will Skelton
The Clermont juggernaut is returning to Australia and could spark a much-needed recruitment drive.
Nick Bishop
29 Nov 2023, 15:28
Analysis
Cutting-edge coaching underlines Red Roses' supremacy
New Zealand's World Cup triumph should not mask the true order of the women's game.
Nick Bishop
27 Nov 2023, 6:55
Analysis
Leicester and Saracens show the way for risk-averse England
Steve Borthwick will not relinquish a conservative game plan as long as England's 'old firm' dominate domestically.
Nick Bishop
22 Nov 2023, 7:31
Analysis
'It's do-or-die for Australian rugby as Lions loom'
Battling controversy and disinterest, the game Down Under faces a make-or-break year.
Nick Bishop
20 Nov 2023, 8:21
Analysis
Henry Arundell can be England's new Jason Robinson
The tyro's electric Racing 92 debut only underlined his vast international potential.
Nick Bishop
16 Nov 2023, 8:25
