With rugby season upon us we thought it’d be a great idea to share some of the top rugby documentaries to date. Watch them to get hyped for the season ahead and experience a unique look at different rugby cultures from around the world.
The following films and series capture the essence of rugby, from its historical roots to the modern-day challenges faced by players and nations. Whether focusing on individual stories, national teams, or the sport's impact on society, these films offer something for every rugby player and fan.
1. Six Nations: Full Contact (2024)
A Netflix documentary series that takes fans behind the scenes of the Six Nations Championship. It offers a closer look at the intense rivalries, pressures, and emotions that define one of rugby’s most prestigious tournaments.
Watch On: Netflix
Run Time: 8 episodes about 40 minutes each
2. Proven (2024)
This is a wonderful five-part series that follows one of America’s most exciting new rugby teams, the New England Free Jacks. Embed yourself in the culture of this Major League Rugby powerhouse as they march to the 2024 championship.
YouTube Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIXiWucLflM
Watch On: The Rugby Network, RugbyPass TV
Run Time: 5 episodes about 25 minutes each
3. Mud, Sweat and Tears: Premiership Rugby (2023)
A recent docuseries offering an all-access pass to the drama and intensity of the 2022-23 Premiership Rugby season. It follows players, coaches, and staff as they navigate the highs and lows of one of the world’s most competitive rugby leagues.
Watch On: Amazon Prime
Run Time: 2 episodes equaling 1 hour 31 minutes
4. Chasing the Sun (2020)
This documentary series follows the South African national rugby team's journey to winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It provides an inside look at the team’s preparation, the challenges they faced, and the leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus. The series delves into how the Springboks, representing a nation with a complex history, used rugby as a unifying force, culminating in their victory over England in the final.
Watch On: RugbyPass TV, Max, Discovery Go
Run Time: 5 episodes about 45 minutes each
RugbyPass is free https://rugbypass.tv/video/606946
5. Reforging the Steelers (2020)
A behind-the-scenes look at the Counties Manukau Steelers during their challenging 2020 season. This series provides insights into the team's dynamics, struggles, and triumphs in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQs134Cgug8
Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXOPELVu90g
Episode 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiR4QcLm49o
Run Time: 1 hour 27 minutes total
6. The Story of Rugby (2019)
A comprehensive six-part series that explores rugby's global history, from its origins to its impact on various cultures around the world. It examines rugby's role in shaping national identities and its evolution into a professional sport.
Watch On: Amazon Prime
Run Time: 6 episodes 45 minutes each
7. The Academy (2019)
A multi-part series that gives an inside look at Leicester Tigers' player academy. It showcases the development of young players and what it takes to reach the top levels of rugby.
Full YouTube Playlist:
Run Time: 6 episodes about 23 minutes each
8. All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks (2018)
This Amazon Prime series offers a rare look inside the New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most successful and revered teams in rugby history. The documentary follows the All Blacks through their 2017 season, providing intimate access to team meetings, training sessions, and personal moments. Viewers witness the immense pressure on the players and coaching staff to maintain the team's legacy of excellence. The series also explores the cultural significance of rugby in New Zealand and the unique challenges faced by the team as they strive to live up to their legendary status.
Watch On: Amazon Prime
Run Time: 6 episodes about 45 minutes each
9. The Dragons Lair (2018)
A fly-on-the-wall documentary that takes viewers inside the Dragons Rugby team's training and preparation. It offers an in-depth look at the workings of a professional rugby club.
Full YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyIIL-gWaGA&list=PL0r2Qw3KBu04rEff65kFVeBlHjnosDAgh&index=32
Watch On: RugbyPassTV
Run Time: 27 minutes
10. This is Zebre Rugby (2018)
An exclusive documentary that provides an inside look at Italian Pro14 Zebre Rugby Club as they prepare for their 2018 season. It highlights the challenges and camaraderie within the team.
Full YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Soxcia6NIRc&list=PL0r2Qw3KBu04rEff65kFVeBlHjnosDAgh&index=17
Watch On: RugbyPass TV
Run Time: 43 minutes
11. XV Beyond the Tryline (2016)
This film takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, offering insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level. It features interviews with players, coaches, and fans, emphasizing rugby’s impact both on and off the field.
Watch On: Amazon Prime
Run Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
12. Chasing Great (2016)
A biographical documentary about Richie McCaw, one of rugby’s greatest players. It chronicles his journey to becoming a two-time World Cup-winning captain and the personal sacrifices he made along the way.
Watch On: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
13. Pacific Warriors (2015)
A documentary celebrating the rugby traditions of Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. It showcases the challenges these nations face in the global rugby arena, balancing their rich rugby heritage with the modern demands of the sport.
Watch On: Amazon Prime, Tubi
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
14. The 16th Man (2010)
Part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, this film covers the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. It examines how Nelson Mandela used the event and the national team, the Springboks, to unite a post-apartheid nation.
Watch On: ESPN+, Apple TV, Amazon
Run Time: 52 minutes
15. Living with Lions (1997)
A groundbreaking documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the 1997 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. It offers an unprecedented look at the players' experiences, challenges, and triumphs during one of rugby’s most iconic tours.
Full Film YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35gk6PX1-0U
Watch On: Tubi, Roku Channel, Pluto TV
Run Time: 2 hours 47 minutes
We hope these documentaries will inspire you to be a better fan, player, or supporter of this amazing sport. We have a unique sporting culture in rugby, and it takes everyone to help keep it going consistently. Give back and help grow the sport we love.