Analysis
The Rugby Championship
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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.
328 Articles
Latest
10 days ago International Rugby
Why small was beautiful for South Africa at World U20s Championship
12 days ago Australia
Analysing how the British and Irish Lions sunk Australia in Melbourne
17 days ago Australia
How can Australia level the British and Irish Lions series?
18 days ago International Rugby
What the 'player welfare summer' is really telling us
Analysis
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France
While Scott Robertson broadened his All Black options, Fabien Galthie missed a golden opportunity to evolve and thrive.
Nick Bishop
22 Jul 2025, 3:42
Analysis
How the Lions will heap pressure upon Australia's million-dollar man
Where should Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i play, and will the ex-NRL star be exposed by Andy Farrell's attacking structures?
Nick Bishop
18 Jul 2025, 4:11
Analysis
Are other All Blacks better suited to number six than Tupou Vaa'i?
Is it really the 'All Black way' to move Vaa'i, a stand-out lock forward, to the back-row when other hybrid options may be better …
Nick Bishop
17 Jul 2025, 5:45
Analysis
Why Henry Pollock's x-factor could earn him a Lions Test start
With his speed, skill and aggression, the Northampton tyro could be the perfect option on the blindside flank.
Nick Bishop
15 Jul 2025, 16:17
Analysis
All eyes on the Brumbies' power as Racing-bound Taniela Tupou's Lion dream fades
The 'Tongan Thor' was penalised four times against the tourists, who need a traditionally strong Brumbies team to provide a real t…
Nick Bishop
08 Jul 2025, 23:18
Analysis
Can Les Bleus avoid a Black-wash in New Zealand?
A hugely rotated French squad came close to the upsetting the All Blacks' top dogs, but the challenge will only get tougher for Fa…
Nick Bishop
08 Jul 2025, 16:56
Analysis
Who is telling the truth about France's tour of New Zealand?
Prominent New Zealand figures have lambasted Fabien Galthie's weakened selection, while the France coach points to player welfare.
Nick Bishop
04 Jul 2025, 5:01
Analysis
How the Lions found their roar, and disproved a popular Australian theory
In hammering the Western Force, Andy Farrell's tourists disproved the popular theory about the stodgy nature of northern hemispher…
Nick Bishop
01 Jul 2025, 17:35
Analysis
Can ‘hybrid’ Damian McKenzie lead the All Blacks to a World Cup?
The New Zealand playmaker's backfield frailties in the Super Rugby Pacific final raises further questions over his suitability at …
Nick Bishop
25 Jun 2025, 3:41
Analysis
Will the 2025 Lions be more, or less, than the sum of their parts?
Andy Farrell's 'Big Back theory’ worked in fits and start on attack, but the experiment is unlikely to be repeated in defence du…
Nick Bishop
24 Jun 2025, 17:52
Analysis
Has Quade Cooper solved a Lions riddle for Australia?
The enigmatic playmaker may have offered the perfect answer to Joe Schmidt's quandary over who should pull the strings when the Li…
Nick Bishop
19 Jun 2025, 1:48
Analysis
How Leinster bullied the Bulls at Croke Park
Jake White's men were bested at their own game, raising questions about the sustainability of South Africa's endless two-hemispher…
Nick Bishop
17 Jun 2025, 19:44
Analysis
Why Bath and Leicester represent the 'best of the best' in English rugby
From the days of 'Deano' and 'Robbo' to the more barren modern times, these juggernauts chart an inextricably linked and iconic hi…
Nick Bishop
11 Jun 2025, 19:53
Analysis
The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter
Fractures appeared again in the Reds front-row in Christchurch, which could have a damning effect on their Lions tour selection ho…
Nick Bishop
10 Jun 2025, 5:54
Analysis
Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10
The New Zealand rugby hierarchy should try and try again to bring the former Crusaders playmaker and recently crowned Japanese cha…
Nick Bishop
06 Jun 2025, 6:15
Analysis
Why Brumbies could be key to avoiding a Lions tour cricket score
Combinations and form in Canberra could yet compel Joe Schmidt to back the men from the capital as he prepares to face Andy Farrel…
Nick Bishop
05 Jun 2025, 4:05
Analysis
Why the Gallagher Premiership is setting the gold standard in club rugby
With high ball-in-play time and success stories at Test level, England's top flight delivers an excellent product - despite its fi…
Nick Bishop
02 Jun 2025, 18:39
Analysis
Why it's time for regional revolution in Welsh rugby
Australia has shown the way by cutting one of its professional franchises, now powerbrokers in Wales must make the same bold step.
Nick Bishop
29 May 2025, 19:47
Analysis
Are Bordeaux-Begles, not Toulouse, the future of French rugby?
UBB's Champions Cup triumph and their plethora of free-wheeling internationals have shifted expectations for a France side shorn o…
Nick Bishop
28 May 2025, 3:56
Analysis
Should the All Blacks return the fabled number seven jersey to Ardie Savea?
He's an indispensable member of the All Blacks pack, but which position best suits the barnstorming Moana Pasifika talisman?
Nick Bishop
27 May 2025, 6:36