Watch The Story of Rugby

The Story of Rugby is a six-part documentary series produced in New Zealand, tracing the history of the sport from its humble origins to the present day. The series is narrated by former All Blacks player and coach, Sir Graham Henry, and features interviews with some of the biggest names in rugby.

The first episode begins by exploring the game's origins in the British Isles in the 19th century, where it was primarily played by students at elite schools and universities. The episode looks at how the game evolved over time, with new rules and regulations being introduced to prevent the more violent aspects of the game.

The second episode focuses on the early days of international rugby, with the first ever international match being played between Scotland and England in 1871. The episode also looks at how the game spread beyond the borders of the British Isles, with the first international matches involving New Zealand and Australia.

The third episode delves into the rise of rugby as a professional sport, with the game's governing bodies coming under increasing pressure to allow players to be paid for playing. The episode features interviews with players who were at the forefront of this change, including All Blacks great Jonah Lomu.

The fourth episode looks at the history of rugby in the southern hemisphere, where the game has enjoyed a long and successful history. The episode profiles some of the greatest teams in rugby history, including the All Blacks and the Springboks of South Africa.

The penultimate episode of the series explores the role of rugby in society, looking at how the sport has been used as a tool for political expression and social change. The episode looks at some of the defining moments in rugby history, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, which was played just one year after the end of Apartheid in South Africa.

The final episode brings the series up to the present day, looking at the current state of the game and what the future might hold. The episode features interviews with current players and coaches, as well as experts and analysts who offer their thoughts on where the sport is headed.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to stunning footage of some of the greatest moments in rugby history, from the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 to the All Blacks' recent dominance of the sport. The show is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in rugby, offering a fascinating insight into one of the world's most beloved sports.