Exclusive
International Rugby
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Contributors
Francisco Isaac
@francisaac87
A trained historian by day, Francisco covers the Rugby Europe Championship for Rugby Europe, Rugby World Magazine, Planet Rugby, and Talking Rugby Union. He works closely with the emerging European nations, providing stories from countries such as Portugal, Romania, Georgia and Spain.
46 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
Uruguay icon Mateo Sanguinetti: 'Rugby changed my life'
2
43 days ago
International Rugby
'Zimbabwe want to show the world what a small nation can do'
3
58 days ago
International Rugby
Pablo Bouza targets uncharted World Cup territory for Spain
2
68 days ago
International Rugby
Captain Jose Madeira on Portugal's rise, fall and rise again
6
108 days ago
Exclusive
Andrea Piardi: 'We knew Australia wouldn't be happy, but I believed in that Jac Morgan decision'
In a wide-ranging interview Italy's trailblazing referee talks for the first time about his seismic call in the second Test of the…
Francisco Isaac
24 Mar 2026, 2:25
10
Exclusive
'We practised every day': Inside the rise of Italian rugby's history-chasers
The Azzurri are targeting a first ever win over England on Saturday, but the growth of this talented crop was kindled long ago.
Francisco Isaac
05 Mar 2026, 10:43
3
Exclusive
Cows, pyrotechnics and divided families - this is rugby's El Clasico
The enmity between two Buenos Aires clubs dates back nearly a century - this is the story of rugby's greatest rivalry you've never…
Francisco Isaac
24 Feb 2026, 5:16
4
Opinion
Who will prevail at the Rugby Europe Championship?
Will serial winners Georgia relinquish their crown? Can a new power emerge and push for greatness? The key REC questions answered.
Francisco Isaac
04 Feb 2026, 6:20
3
Exclusive
'To be loved in Perpignan, you have to be like this team' - The unique identity of French Catalonia
USAP is more than a rugby club - it's a way of life to the fiercely proud people of French Catalonia.
Francisco Isaac
05 Jan 2026, 8:17
1
Exclusive
'We won't ever forget it': Inside the rise of Portugal's wolf cubs
The seeds of Os Lobos' remarkable Rugby World Cup 2023 were sewn many years ago by a domestic programme which continues to deliver…
Francisco Isaac
17 Dec 2025, 4:14
1
Exclusive
'Forgotten' Hong Kong China can become 'a world force'
Having booked their ticket to a men's Rugby World Cup for the first time, the ambitious Asian nation has serious plans for the fut…
Francisco Isaac
10 Nov 2025, 11:42
1
Exclusive
Santiago Videla: 'Players used to have no ambition, now it is a new age for Chile'
The Miami Shark has helped his country secure qualification to their first two Rugby World Cups, but things weren't always like th…
Francisco Isaac
13 Oct 2025, 4:59
1
Exclusive
'Unprecedented excellence': How have Argentina's Pumas found their claws?
The Pumas are racking up wins against the game's elite like never before, while their age-grade and sevens sides are pulling up tr…
Francisco Isaac
02 Oct 2025, 1:31
16
Exclusive
'Impossible not to be emotional': How Ian Prior came out of retirement to help Zimbabwe end Rugby World Cup drought
The veteran Australian playmaker, born to Zimbabwean parents, answered the call of his heritage nation and has helped them reach t…
Francisco Isaac
30 Jul 2025, 5:58
3
Analysis
The forgotten art of the drop goal - and how it's making a comeback
The iconic three-point skill enshrined in English sporting folklore by Jonny Wilkinson has declined in recent years. There are sig…
Francisco Isaac
27 Jul 2025, 14:59
5
Exclusive
'Rugby broke our chains of fate': The coaching project lifting children from poverty in the favelas of Brazil
The Rugby Para Todos initiative has used the sport to help over 5,000 children from the poorest areas in South America, several be…
Francisco Isaac
02 Jul 2025, 9:27
2
Exclusive
Sam Davies: 'In Wales every mistake I made was put under the magnifying glass'
Rejuvenated and on course for Top 14 promotion with Grenoble, the Welsh pivot explains why leaving home rekindled his zest for rug…
Francisco Isaac
05 Jun 2025, 3:19
Interview
'We endure, we fight to survive - that's who we are': Welcome to the Basque Country
A unique blend of national pride and sporting passion, the Basque Country remains one of rugby's most special frontiers.
Francisco Isaac
02 Jun 2025, 4:11
6
Exclusive
Is Spain rugby's next great superpower?
With renewed success at Test level, a vibrant domestic scene and ambitions to host Rugby World Cups, Spain is a nation on the rise…
Francisco Isaac
16 Apr 2025, 2:13
5
Exclusive
How does a World Rugby consultant help emerging nations?
Often unseen but hugely influential, these wise rugby owls play a crucial part in growing the sport across the world.
Francisco Isaac
01 Apr 2025, 1:12
3
Exclusive
David Gérard: Rebuilding Romania via Lomu, blood and broken hips
The rambunctious Frenchman has charted a remarkable voyage in rugby, and steered the struggling Stejarii to World Cup qualificatio…
Francisco Isaac
27 Feb 2025, 4:24
1
Analysis
The big Rugby Europe Championship preview: A race to the land Down Under
Outwith the Six Nations spotlight, emerging nations jostle for position in another thrilling REC - with the added carrot of Rugby …
Francisco Isaac
30 Jan 2025, 0:25
Exclusive
Davit Niniashvili: 'Georgia can qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals'
The Lyon speedster is at the forefront of a new generation of searing talent which could spur his national team to new heights.
Francisco Isaac
13 Jan 2025, 1:42
Exclusive
Joel Merkler: Meet the colossal Spaniard playing with Antoine Dupont's Toulouse
You may not know him, but the mighty prop has become a mainstay in Ugo Mola's all-conquering team of Galacticos.
Francisco Isaac
06 Jan 2025, 1:43
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