Analysis
Six Nations
'It's time for Borthwick and Farrell to pin their colours to the mast at 10'
38
{{item.n}}
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.
386 Articles
Latest
Six Nations
Can Ireland handle the changing tides of the Six Nations?
345
7 days ago
Six Nations
How new-look France exposed familiar Irish flaws
376
10 days ago
Six Nations
France v Ireland big match preview part two
249
12 days ago
Six Nations
'Expect the unexpected' - Ireland v France big match preview part one
262
14 days ago
Analysis
The coaching conundrum part three: Time is running out for Australia and New Zealand
Rugby Australia has turned to league's Angus Crichton while there is no obviously earmarked candidate to become the new All Blacks…
Nick Bishop
26 Jan 2026, 16:08
655
Analysis
Trevor Davison's second coming: The salt of the earth is where the best props grow
Northampton's unassuming Geordie is set to play a big role for Steve Borthwick's England at the Six Nations.
Nick Bishop
26 Jan 2026, 9:50
39
Analysis
'There may be a surprise or two, but the meat of the 2026 Six Nations will rest between France, Ireland and England’
Since RWC23, a chasm has appeared between the ‘Haves’ of France, Ireland and England, and the ‘Have Nots’ of Scotland, Wal…
Nick Bishop
25 Jan 2026, 2:52
341
Analysis
The tale of two 10s: Why Marcus Smith cannot live in the past
The Harlequins ace has reached a crossroads in his career after helping punt Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle out of the Champions Cup.
Nick Bishop
20 Jan 2026, 14:50
101
Analysis
How the Top 14 has improved Toulon’s England contingent
The RFU rule on overseas-based players continues to deprive Steve Borthwick of talent starring in France.
Nick Bishop
19 Jan 2026, 8:46
214
Analysis
Robertson's departure could herald the biggest shake-up in New Zealand rugby history
After 'Razor's stunning departure, should New Zealand Rugby bring Tony Brown home or hire their first foreign All Blacks coach?
Nick Bishop
15 Jan 2026, 13:43
624
Analysis
Woki's wingspan and Willis' might point the way for France and England at the Six Nations
The soon-to-be-Bordeaux team-mates were the weekend's oustanding back-row forwards. Will their nations take heed?
Nick Bishop
14 Jan 2026, 1:00
48
Analysis
'No scrum, no win': How Leinster v La Rochelle sounded a note of caution for Ireland
The hosts' battles at scrum time bore alarming hallmarks of Ireland's November savaging by the Springboks.
Nick Bishop
12 Jan 2026, 13:54
170
Analysis
Why English referees are helping raise Prem spectacle and national team soar
Younger, fitter, referees with good communication skills are improving entertainment and helping foster more multi-skilled players…
Nick Bishop
08 Jan 2026, 11:48
48
Analysis
Why Tommy Freeman could be England's lucky number 13
The Northampton Saint offers aerial power and attacking brilliance, whichever route Steve Borthwick chooses to take this Six Natio…
Nick Bishop
06 Jan 2026, 14:43
370
Analysis
The coaching conundrum part two: Have New Zealand Rugby been too insular?
Having seen Tony Brown's IP depart for South Africa, the All Blacks must broaden their horizons and attract the best possible coac…
Nick Bishop
29 Dec 2025, 0:05
906
Analysis
The coaching conundrum part one: Is there a crisis Down Under?
Time was, the rugby world cast envious glances at Antipodean coaching. Now, Australia and New Zealand are fishing desperately for …
Nick Bishop
22 Dec 2025, 6:06
358
Analysis
How Glasgow found the bleu-print for beating Toulouse
Extreme precision at the ruck allowed Glasgow to remove the jackaling juggernauts from the Toulouse arsenal.
Nick Bishop
18 Dec 2025, 4:37
20
Analysis
Ireland are at a crossroads - will they ever make a World Cup semi-final?
Brendan Fanning's new book chronicles a golden era for the Irish game - but also serves as a warning there is much work yet to be …
Nick Bishop
15 Dec 2025, 6:36
183
Analysis
Will the Northampton playmaking axis return for England at the Six Nations?
Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and George Furbank offer a tantalisng East Midlands blend Steve Borrthwick may find hard to resist.
Bryn Palmer
13 Dec 2025, 1:00
136
Analysis
Should Fabien Galthie take the hint from UBB's bullfighters?
A chastening loss to the Springboks suggests France's future lies with the free-wheeling European champions, not the serial Toulou…
Nick Bishop
08 Dec 2025, 14:17
135
Analysis
How England are building the foundations for World Cup success in 2027
The portents are promising that England can genuinely challenge in Australia with strength in every area of the squad
Nick Bishop
03 Dec 2025, 11:51
288
Analysis
Is 'Terminator 2.0' Andre Esterhuizen the ultimate Eddie Jones hybrid?
The Springboks centre-cum-flanker is a sequel to Levani Botia, but with a new visionary creative director in Svengali Rassie Erasm…
Nick Bishop
01 Dec 2025, 5:49
209
Analysis
Are the Pumas overtaking the All Blacks in rugby's world order?
Felipe Contepomi's men are one of the biggest success stories of the Quilter Nations Series, and their domestic setup is growing a…
Nick Bishop
27 Nov 2025, 17:33
321
Analysis
Is there a place for Scott Barrett in New Zealand's lock logjam?
The skipper remains an integral part of Scott Robertson's pack, but there are young, hungry rivals challenging his reign.
Nick Bishop
25 Nov 2025, 5:14
249
