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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.

LONG READ
Analysis

Why UBB are edging the battle of dynasties in European rugby

Bordeaux's Champions Cup win over Toulouse was the latest chapter in an unfolding storyline between the two French rivals.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
15 Apr 2026, 0:57
LONG READ
Analysis

Can Johann van Graan's Bath bomb squad conquer Europe?

With their resources. bench impact and fourth-quarter scoring power, Bath are the only English team left standing in the Investec …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
13 Apr 2026, 15:30
LONG READ
Analysis

How the All Blacks can turn the curse of versatility into a blessing

Leicester Fainga’anuku’s ability to shift from centre to the back row opens up a world of possibility for New Zealand.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
08 Apr 2026, 14:32
LONG READ
Analysis

Who will win the Champions Cup quarter-finals? What the stats say

If two of the last-eight European ties seem relatively easy to forecast, two others could be real nailbiters.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
08 Apr 2026, 9:38
LONG READ
Analysis

Age is no barrier, world-leading Thomas du Toit and the Bok props are kings

The 'Tank' of Bath is a destructive scrummager on either side of the set-piece, epitomising South Africa's ageing but immense fron…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
07 Apr 2026, 2:48
LONG READ
Analysis

How big-spending Bath and Saracens swapped places as England's dominant force

Under Johann van Graan, Bath have become England's biggest and deepest squad, mimicking their Champions Cup opponents of yesteryea…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
02 Apr 2026, 2:19
LONG READ
Analysis

Barrett's Irish adventure is propelling the Hurricanes to new heights

The All Blacks great has imparted the wisdom he learned from Jacques Nienaber and the Leinster superclub, and the Canes are reapin…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
30 Mar 2026, 4:52
LONG READ
Analysis

Why Rieko Ioane is struggling to match Barrett's X-factor impact for Leinster

The questions of how best Leinster can harness the All Black's talent, and where he is best positioned, remain unanswered.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
24 Mar 2026, 1:14
LONG READ
Analysis

The Six Nations deep dive: How France has the North playing Super Rugby

This year's epic Six Nations proved the ancient championship is no longer the preserve of set-piece grunt and gristle alone.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
23 Mar 2026, 5:42
LONG READ
Analysis

How Ireland rose from the dead at the Six Nations

Widely written off as ageing and in decline, Andy Farrell's men came within inches of the title as their transition phase continue…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
18 Mar 2026, 3:49
LONG READ
Analysis

Why England may be in better shape to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup than France

After the Super Saturday epic, Fabien Galthie was left with more questions than Steve Borthwick, despite their sides' contrasting …

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 Mar 2026, 3:16
LONG READ
Analysis

Where do Steve Borthwick’s England go from here?

Now is not the time to bring out the firing squad for the head coach in broad daylight, despite England's historic loss to Italy.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
10 Mar 2026, 5:56
LONG READ
Analysis

Six Nations analysis: How France's Grand Slam chasers were beaten black and bleu at Murrayfield

Seemingly streets ahead of the rest, unbeaten France were put to the sword by Gregor Townsend's ultra-accurate and ruthless Scotla…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
09 Mar 2026, 3:44
LONG READ
Analysis

'Breakdown brutality and counterattacking verve' - What Dave Rennie brings to the All Blacks

The new supremo will restore key traits to New Zealand's game model which went missing under Scott 'Razor' Robertson.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
04 Mar 2026, 11:44
LONG READ
Analysis

Why Les Kiss' Reds may have landed a blow in the All Blacks coaching race

The Super Rugby Pacific clash between Kiss' Reds and Jamie Joseph's Highlanders may have offered a preview of a forthcoming Bledis…

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
03 Mar 2026, 3:08
Analysis

Six Nations half-term report: 'France lead the charge in struggle for the soul of rugby'

As France and South Africa rail against Australasian plans to revamp the laws, Les Bleus have shown the way forward in their quest…

Jamie Lyall
Jamie Lyall
27 Feb 2026, 23:00
LONG READ
Analysis

'We wanted Charlie Cale at Racing 92 - now he's a Wallaby World Cup star in waiting'

Recovered from injury, the Brumbies back-row is showcasing his unique athletic and technical skillset in Super Rugby Pacific.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
25 Feb 2026, 13:33
LONG READ
Analysis

Has Steve Borthwick reached his 'Rassie' moment as England head coach?

As the Springbok supremo did in September last year, it's time England's boss made bold and seminal change to reshape his team.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
23 Feb 2026, 1:06
LONG READ
Analysis

'Not New Zealand rugby': How would Joseph's brave new All Black world look?

The Highlanders boss looks the leading candidate for rugby's toughest gig, but his tactical strategy may jar with some.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
17 Feb 2026, 6:05
LONG READ
Analysis

'It's time for Borthwick and Farrell to pin their colours to the mast at 10'

England and Ireland should select Fin Smith and Jack Crowley respectively, and back each man to lead them to Rugby World Cup 2027.

Nick Bishop
Nick Bishop
16 Feb 2026, 9:26
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