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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.

430 Articles
LONG READ
Analysis

Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

A Six Nations statistical deep dive suggests the European nations are no longer trailing their Rugby Championship counterparts.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2026, 1:42
LONG READ
Analysis

Bench injured Dupont in November? How can France solve their play-making paradox?

Fabien Galthie must find a blend between Top 14 winners Toulouse and European champions Bordeaux-Begles to conquer the Springboks …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
29 Jun 2026, 11:10
LONG READ
Analysis

Another emotional chapter is about to be written in the history of New Zealand v France

With his champion Bordeaux-Begles players available, Fabien Galthie is leading a far stronger, and highly motivated, group to Chri…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2026, 16:30
LONG READ
Analysis

Does one size really fit all in the Wallabies second row?

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto's omission from their latest squad suggests the impact of the 'very big men' is under-valued in Australia.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
22 Jun 2026, 13:40
LONG READ
Analysis

Why the best come to play when it really matters - and are empowered to do so

'Foresight analysis’ and 'tactical periodization' both came to the fore in how players stepped up in semi-finals of the English …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2026, 4:25
LONG READ
Analysis

‘Selection is everything. Borthwick’s England needs to reflect the character of the league the players are drawn from’

England need to tailor their selection to reflect how players are used to at their Prem teams... and 'add a little taste of spicy …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
15 Jun 2026, 7:26
LONG READ
Analysis

Ireland or New Zealand? Who is really South Africa’s greatest rugby rival?

The testy triangle between the Springboks, All Blacks and Ireland will be alive and well for some time to come.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2026, 3:56
LONG READ
Analysis

Is the magic thread of Super Rugby in need of a new pattern?

With New Zealand sides predictably dominating the latter stages again, is the current iteration of Super Rugby Pacific in need of …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
08 Jun 2026, 13:15
LONG READ
Analysis

Is defence going out of fashion? 'The trick now is how quickly you stop the bleeding'

Scoring is the name of the game, which is moving beyond defence coaches at an alarming rate of knots.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
02 Jun 2026, 8:06
LONG READ
Analysis

‘Love’s growing highlights reel underlines what the All Blacks have been missing in Mo’unga's absence’

Dave Rennie may find a back-door route for Richie Mo'unga to be involved against South Africa, but in Ruben Love he has a No.10 in…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
01 Jun 2026, 10:32
LONG READ
Analysis

France has conquered and reconquered Europe. Can it reach its Mount Everest?

With their club teams so dominant in Europe and France Six Nations champions, can Fabien Galthié translate that into World Cup su…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
27 May 2026, 0:33
LONG READ
Analysis

Can Australia look to the greats of yesteryear to kickstart the next generation of innovation?

The Australian ecosystem needs to take inspiration from the thought-leaders of yesteryear as it battles to capture hearts, minds a…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
26 May 2026, 4:17
LONG READ
Analysis

Is the Prem becoming 'like basketball - without the tackling?'

The Gallagher Prem has become obsessed with attack, perhaps to the detriment of England head coach Steve Borthwick.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
20 May 2026, 7:00
LONG READ
Analysis

Sir Graham Henry is the All Blacks' new kingmaker - and lords of the scrum high on his agenda

A month shy of his 80th birthday, Henry returns to the All Blacks fold as one of Dave Rennie's selectors - and the Springbok scrum…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
18 May 2026, 9:23
LONG READ
Analysis

How Transatlantic saviours could reshape the Gallagher Prem

Investment from the United States may shake up the Gallagher Prem and jolt it away from its 'loss-making' benefactor model.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
13 May 2026, 0:47
LONG READ
Analysis

'Move Sua'ali'i to 15 - Rugby Australia cannot afford another unfulfilled talent'

Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i has the skillset to dominate in the back three, but only if club and country are prepared to abandon the m…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
11 May 2026, 6:17
LONG READ
Analysis

How Bordeaux-Begles showed Bath the true meaning of 'superclub' in the Champions Cup

The reigning champions did not have to work hard enough for their scores in the semi-final showdown.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
05 May 2026, 2:47
LONG READ
Analysis

Analysing Leicester Fainga'anuku's 'overwhelmingly positive' hybrid debut

The former Toulon centre shone on his first outing in the number seven shirt, and could provide Dave Rennie with a valuable option…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
30 Apr 2026, 6:37
LONG READ
Analysis

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto can be the Wallabies' heavyweight enforcer

With Will Skelton injured and Nick Frost running on fumes, the Reds second-row could provide Australia with much-needed snarl.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
29 Apr 2026, 4:26
LONG READ
Analysis

Dave Rennie's latest appointment could help New Zealand rein in Rassie's Springboks

Pressure is a privilege, and iconic mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka will remind New Zealand's players of just that as they gear …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
28 Apr 2026, 12:25
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