Analysis
Super Rugby Pacific
'We wanted Charlie Cale at Racing 92 - now he's a Wallaby World Cup star in waiting'
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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.
389 Articles
Latest
Six Nations
Steve Borthwick has reached a crossroad as England head coach
523
4 days ago
Super Rugby Pacific
How would Jamie Joseph's brave new All Black world look?
341
9 days ago
Six Nations
England and Ireland need to pick one fly-half - and back him
269
10 days ago
Six Nations
Can Ireland handle the changing tides of the Six Nations?
349
18 days ago
Analysis
How new-look France trumped same old Ireland in Six Nations opener
Fabien Galthie's Bordeaux-infused attack and renewed aerial focus exposed pressing issues Andy Farrell has yet to solve.
Nick Bishop
06 Feb 2026, 6:07
376
Analysis
How Ireland can upset the odds in Paris: Big match preview part two
The hosts are seven to one favourites to win the Six Nations opener, but there are reasons for optimism for the men in green.
Nick Bishop
04 Feb 2026, 6:18
249
Analysis
'Expect the unexpected' - Ireland v France big match preview part one
With the loss of key personnel on either side, the set-piece battle, and the platform it creates, could look radically different o…
Nick Bishop
02 Feb 2026, 8:10
262
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, 14:08
661
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, 7:50
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, 0:52
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, 12:50
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, 6:46
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, 11:43
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
13 Jan 2026, 23:00
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, 11:54
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, 9:48
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, 12:43
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
28 Dec 2025, 22:05
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, 4:06
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, 2:37
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, 4:36
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
12 Dec 2025, 23:00
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, 12:17
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, 9:51
288
