IMDB: Top 10 Rugby Documentaries You Must See Before You Die

Friday, 24 November 2017 at 15:39

bySteven Smith

Watching the 2019 Six Nations has been thrilling for all rugby fans.

An action-packed three weeks of Tests, countless post-match interviews and media appearances, alongside off-field drama in the form of injuries and the odd swear word from unnamed coaches.

But with international rugby soon to conclude prior to the 2018 Six nations you'll need something to watch, so here are our 10 favourite rugby documentaries.

We've ranked the 10 by their IMDB ratings.

10. British and Irish Lions 2017: Lions Uncovered - No Rating

It was billed 'Mission Impossible', beating double World Champions New Zealand in a Test series in their own back yard, a feat only done once before in the Lions 129-year history.

Few gave them a chance against the mighty All Blacks, not beaten at home since 2009 a run of 47 matches and 2,849 days.

Yet the strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire and the 2017 Lions showed their mettle to draw the series and do the iconic jersey proud. Lions Uncovered tells the story of a team of rivals, the best of the best from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales who came together with a single purpose under Head Coach Warren Gatland.2. Living with Lions, 1997

9. XV Beyond the Tryline - 6.6

This documentary takes you behind the scenes to understand what the sport of Rugby means to everyone who touches the game.

With the backdrop and access point of the Rugby World Cup, it's a unique look at the big sport that's built around a big family of characters; from player, coach, referee, fan, groundsman, physio, parent, and even a Prince.

With captivating and rare insight from the likes of Prince Harry, Jonny Wilkinson, Dan Carter and Eddie Jones, XV Beyond The Tryline is your ticket inside the everyday integrity, incredible brotherhood and values behind the greatest team sport in the world.

7=. Building Jerusalem, 2015 -7.7

From Director James Erskine and producer Victoria Gregory, Building Jerusalem combines scintillating match action, extraordinary original interviews with the key players including Jonny Wilkinson, Sir Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson and Matt Dawson, with never-before-seen behind the scenes and match footage.

It is an astonishing story of pressure, expectation and courage, tracing the roots of success back to the professionalization of the game in the 90s, culminating in that glorious World Cup campaign of 2003 that turned Woodward s poisoned chalice into a golden cup.

7=. The 16th Man -7.7

This documentary showcases the South African "Springbok" National Rugby Team and its impact on South Africa's transition from segregation to integration. It involves interviews with players and political activists along with vintage video.

Even better, the full documentary is available on Youtube.

6. Murderball, 2005 - 7.8

Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.

5. The British & Irish Lions 2013: Lions Raw - 7.6

Lions RAW, the behind the scenes documentary from the incredible, victorious tour down under to Australia.

4. The Ground we won - 8.1

With great bawdiness and camaraderie, an eclectic rugby team of farmers strive to redeem themselves from a long run of bitter loses. A cinema verite study of contemporary manhood as observed through the rites and rituals of a rural New Zealand rugby club.

3. The Rugby Player - 8.3

THE RUGBY PLAYER is an uplifting and stereotype-shattering documentary that tells the story of a mother, a son, and what it takes to be a hero.

The film explores the lives of Mark Bingham, one of the passengers of United Flight 93 on 9/11, and his mother, Alice Hoagland, a former United Airlines flight attendant.

THE RUGBY PLAYER is an intimate portrait of how a son's heroism can inspire a nation, and how a mother's love can turn profound loss into unshakable resolve. Utilizing footage shot by Bingham himself, this timely film provides keen insights for the national debates on LGBT rights, marriage equality and gay athletes in sports.

2. Living with the Lions, 1997 - 8.9

A three-hour video documenting the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in the summer of 1997.

The unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the team shows the preparations, the training, the fun, the team selection, the 'earthy' language, the bonding, the awesome task of playing and some shocking footage of injuries.

Again fully available on Youtube!

1. Beneath the Black: A Journey Through New Zealand Rugby, 2017 - 9.2

What makes the All Blacks so good? Through the eyes of some of New Zealand's most iconic rugby figures, this documentary explores the place that rugby holds in the country's history, culture and way of life.

Again free - winning!