RUGBY enthusiasts, rejoice! The highly anticipated Six Nations: Full Contact documentary has just landed on Netflix, promising an unfiltered look into the exhilarating world of rugby. With eight episodes chronicling the twists and turns of last year’s tournament, the series is poised to revolutionise how fans perceive the sport on the small screen.
Addressing concerns head-on, rest assured this documentary is anything but a letdown. It’s more than just decent – it’s a riveting watch. For avid rugby fans, it serves up a tantalising blend of insights, genuine tension, and a chance to witness the personalities that make the sport so compelling.
Produced by the Oscar-winning James Gay-Rees, renowned for his work on Amy (Winehouse) and Senna, the series brings heavyweight credentials to the rugby world. While it may not hit the absolute pinnacle due to some limitations in openness, it marks a promising start to a potentially transformative journey for rugby in the world of television.
Each of the eight episodes unfolds a specific narrative centred around the players’ lives both on and off the field during last year’s tournament. It sheds light on internal team dynamics, selection rivalries, and the intense pressure that comes with Test rugby.
The series introduces a fly-on-the-wall perspective, offering glimpses into the personal lives of top players and the intricacies of team dynamics. However, some may find it lacking in raw, unfiltered moments, with reports suggesting that not all teams fully embraced the project.
Scotland’s episodes emerge as particularly captivating, offering an intimate look into the team’s dynamics. Frustrations of former Italy coach Kieran Crowley take centre stage, providing an authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by the Azzurri.
From a Welsh standpoint, the documentary delves into the tumultuous period surrounding a player strike threat during the England match. While it provides insights, there’s a palpable absence of crucial behind-the-scenes moments, leaving viewers with retrospective narratives from figures like Gatland and Biggar.
The chosen Welsh figures, including Biggar, Gatland, and Louis Rees-Zammit, inject a personal touch into the narrative, though their impact may have diminished over time. Standout stars like Ellis Genge steal the show with their candid perspectives, adding a refreshing layer of authenticity to the storytelling.
In summary, Six Nations: Full Contact is not just slick and highly watchable; it’s a commendable step forward in rugby documentary-making. While it might not reach classic status, the hope is that it sparks the imagination of viewers and sets the stage for more authentic portrayals in the future. As rugby takes its first steps into the streaming world, this documentary could mark the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey for the sport.
