The Story of Rugby

Synopsis

A unique, premium contemporary documentary series which explores the vibrant social history and impact of rugby around the world - from its origins through to the present day - for a massive global audience.

First Air Date: 2019-08-23

Last Air Date: 2019-10-03

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: TVNZ 1

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Craig Parker as Narrator (Voice)

Seasons

Season 1 (2019)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: A Gentleman's Game (2019-08-23)

The origins of rugby from European village football games in the Middle Ages to recreational hobby played by the well-to-do sons of the Establishment of 19th century Britain.
Ep. 2: An International Game (2019-08-30)

How rugby spread from British universities to men of all social classes in the biggest Empire in history, changing nations political fortunes along the way.
Ep. 3: A Global Game (2019-09-06)

How the U.S.A. received then adapted rugby into America’s national game – and how France overcame British resistance to remake rugby as ‘the beautiful game’ on a level that astonished the world.
Ep. 4: A Power Game (2019-09-20)

How rugby’s misguided attempts to cling to past glories allowed media visionary Rupert Murdoch to swoop in and turn a 100-year-old staunchly amateur game fully professional.
Ep. 5: A Professional Game (2019-09-26)

How France and England became the most powerful rugby nations in the world, and tiny, remote New Zealand became the number one team in rugby history.
Ep. 6: Tomorrow's Game (2019-10-03)

How rugby returned to the Olympics in 2016 and finally opened its doors to women in a bold new era of change – in the process changing rugby from a niche into a sport for everyone in the world.