From Scrum to Screen: Will Netflix's "Full Contact" Tackle Rugby's Future?
Rugby's ancient battlefields are about to witness a new kind of clash: not one of muddied boots and bone-crunching tackles, but of cameras and captivating storytelling. Netflix's Six Nations: Full Contact arrives January 24th 2024, promising an unparalleled, adrenaline-pumping dive into the 2023 6 Nations tournament. But this isn't just a spectator sport for couch potatoes – it's a potentially game-changing gamble for rugby's future.
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The comparisons will be inevitable. Formula One's Netflix doc ignited a global motorsport frenzy, attracting younger audiences and boosting viewing figures. Now, rugby union follows suit. Full Contact grants viewers exclusive access to the tournament's inner sanctum – the locker room whispers, the pre-match chats, the post-game elation and agony. We'll meet the warriors behind the jerseys, understand their motivations, their struggles, and the bond that they have in the heat of battle.
Think about it: who wouldn't be captivated by Finn Russell's cheeky Scottish swagger, Gaël Fickou's French finesse, or Ellis Genge's English grit? Imagine witnessing the pressure on Warren Gatland as he guides Wales, the despair of Italy's near misses, or the elation of Ireland's Grand Slam. Suddenly, rugby isn't just a game – it's a human drama unfolding on a grand stage.
The potential ripple effects are tantalizing. Research suggests Drive to Survive increased F1's global fan base by 20%, particularly among younger demographics. Could Full Contact replicate this magic for rugby? The numbers speak for themselves: rugby union currently boasts 8.5 million global players, but pales in comparison to football's 260 million. A similar surge in rugby participation would be seismic, filling stadiums, igniting grassroots initiatives, and nurturing future generations of oval-ball warriors.
Traditionalists might scoff at "reality TV-ifying" rugby's ‘values’. But Full Contact isn't about dumbing down the sport; it's about amplifying its essence. It's about showing the world the beauty and brutality of the game, the tactical chess match amidst the thunderous collisions, the unwavering spirit that transcends national borders. We should do everything in our power to open up our game to a wider audience, and this is 100% a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, Full Contact is a gamble. But it's a calculated one, fuelled by the hope of driving rugby into the 21st century with a whole new generation of fans. So, get ready to lace up your metaphorical boots, folks. The Netflix scrum is about to commence, and the future of rugby might just hang in the balance.
Will you be tuning in? Let's chat about the potential impact of Full Contact and what the future holds for rugby in the comments below or across our socials.
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When is the Netflix rugby documentary coming out?
Mark your calendars, rugby fans! Netflix's highly anticipated documentary series, Six Nations: Full Contact, is set to premiere on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. That's just a week away from the kickoff of the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship, so brace yourself for a double dose of rugby excitement throughout January, February and March!
What is the Netflix doc Full Contact about?
This eight-part docuseries promises to take viewers on a thrilling journey behind the scenes of the 2023 Six Nations tournament, offering unprecedented access to the players, coaches, and the intense drama that unfolds both on and off the field.
Get ready to experience:
The raw emotions and pressure faced by players like Finn Russell, Maro Itoje, and Owen Farrell as they compete for national glory.
The tactical battles that unfold in the heat of the moment, with coaches like Eddie Jones pulling the strings from the sidelines.
The camaraderie and rivalries that define the Six Nations, as players from across Europe clash and forge bonds on the pitch.
How many episodes are there in Six Nations: Full Contact?
The series will be eight episode long and below are some additional details about the documentary:
Number of episodes: 8
Running time: Approximately 40-49 minutes per episode
Available on: Netflix
Language: English
Will there be a second season of Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix?
Unfortunately, there's no official confirmation yet about a second series of Six Nations: Full Contact. The first season, focusing on the 2023 tournament, premieres on Netflix on the 24th January 2024, so let’s see how that goes first!
However, several factors suggest the potential for a second season:
Drive to Survive success: Given the massive success of Formula One's Drive to Survive in boosting fan engagement and viewership, the producers of Full Contact might be looking to replicate that for rugby.
Fan reception: If Full Contact gets positive reviews and attracts a strong audience, it could build a strong case for a second season focusing on the 2024 Six Nations Championship.
Ongoing relevance: The Six Nations is an annual event, so there's always new material and drama to explore each year.
So, while we can't be sure yet, the prospects for a second season of Six Nations: Full Contact are quite promising. Let's wait and see how the first season performs and keep our fingers crossed for more behind-the-scenes rugby action in the future!
Perhaps after watching the first season, you and other fans can voice your support for a second series on socials!
We’ll keep an eye out for any official announcements about a potential second season and let you know if right away!
