TOP10 RUGBY DOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH IN SELF-ISOLATION
Coronavirus has now brought a halt to all rugby in England, with the rugby community encouraged to practice social distancing.
This has seen players and coaches come up with creative ways to keep fit, from kicking toilet rolls to running drills in the lounge.
But Covid-19’s outbreak does give the opportunity to have a good Netflix binge – after all, everyone needs a break from working at home! The Rugby Paper has picked out some of the best rugby documentaries available to watch on streaming services to help get your rugby fix.
Building Jerusalem, 2015, Prime Video
2003 was England’s pinnacle in the rugby world and James Erskine shows the tough road taken from professionalism eight years prior.
Heroes such as Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson take centre stage, alongside Sir Clive Woodward’s coaching insights, in this piece which takes inspiration from William Blake’s hymn.
Dan Carter: A Perfect 10, 2019, Prime Video
“From country boy to global icon” is the tag-line for this insight into one of the most iconic players in modern rugby, talking to teammates and family.
Carter’s rise through New Zealand ranks and his travels to France form the crux of this story, also delving into his injury battles.
England Rugby: Rising Sons, 2019, YouTube
When Eddie Jones’ men came so close to World Cup glory in Japan, cameras were there every step of the way to document the England squad’s every emotion.
ITV showed a condensed version earlier this month but the entire film can be found on England Rugby’s YouTube channel.
Jonah, 2019, Prime Video
New Zealand’s marauding winger lit up the rugby world in the mid-1990s, making his death in 2015 all the more tragic.
This biopic delves into his tough Tongan beginnings, through a glittering career up to his financial and health battles.
The fact Lomu is played by lifelong fan Mosese Vealia makes this two-part drama even more poignant.
All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks, 2018, Prime Video
We may have gone heavy on New Zealand but this six-part series has to make the cut.
A camera crew gives unprecedented access to the All Blacks from their drawn Lions campaign to their 15th Rugby Championship title in 2017, showing a resilience in the squad during a critical period.
Shane Williams: Rugby, Concussion and Me, BBC iPlayer
Head injuries are always a hot talking point across all levels of rugby – and one man who knows about them is Wales’ record try-scorer.
TRP columnist Williams talks to the rugby community from school level to World Rugby’s leading experts on the steps being taken to avoid long-term damage on the pitch.
XV: Beyond the Tryline, 2019, Prime Video
If you want an all-encompassing look at the world of rugby, look no further.
From stars including Richie McCaw to royal patron Prince Harry, “XV: Beyond the Tryline” speaks to anyone and everyone on hallowed turf.
It doesn’t forget the journalists either, featuring former England fly-half and now Sunday Times columnist Stuart Barnes.
Tries, Tackles and Title Dreams, BBC iPlayer
Premiership Rugby has suffered a tumultuous season off the pitch that it’s easy to get distracted from actual play.
This is where Newsbeat’s 45-minute documentary comes in, following Harlequins’ progress in the 2019/20 campaign.
Speaking to players and coaches, the “fly on the wall” feel is very strong at the Stoop.
The Story of Rugby, 2019, Prime Video
A real lesson in the history of rugby, exploring early forms of the game including Italy’s Florentine kick game and Scotland’s ball game.
But the last episode in this six-part series may be the most important on this list, carrying a message of optimism for rugby’s future in uncertain times.
The Brighton Miracle, 2019, Prime Video
Who can forget that special day on the south coast of England five years ago when Japan beat South Africa? Now, you can relive it!
With Eddie Jones played by Star Wars actor Temuera Morrison, the feature-length documentary combines dramatic recreations with footage from the Amex Stadium.
Though New Zealand accents may be questionable, it still stirs the nostalgia!