Netflix’s Rugby Series Misses the True Essence of the Sport: The Odd Charm of Italy’s Coaches

Netflix’s latest rugby series, Six Nations: Full Contact, may have missed the mark by adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on interviews rather than capturing the genuine essence of rugby union. While the series delves into the triumphs and tribulations of various teams, the standout stars turn out to be Italy’s coaching duo, providing an authentic and captivating narrative.

The concluding moments of the series center around Italy’s head coach, Kieran Crowley, facing the likelihood of unemployment. His genuine reflections, accompanied by his sidekick Neil Barnes, offer a unique and unfiltered perspective on the sport. The chemistry between Crowley and Barnes, with the latter hilariously interpreting the former’s moods, adds an element of authenticity that resonates with viewers.

In contrast, scenes involving other teams lack the same level of genuine access, possibly due to varying degrees of cooperation. Italy and Scotland, the more open teams, provide a glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing moments like player selections that add depth to the narrative. On the other hand, more secretive teams like Wales and seemingly disappearing teams like England miss out on the opportunity to reveal their unique stories.

The French, true to their nature, remain unmistakably themselves, offering poetic reflections on rugby as an art form. However, the series tends to emphasize the physical demands of the sport rather than exploring its artistic and strategic aspects, missing an opportunity to showcase the nuances that make rugby union distinctive.

The series heavily relies on interviews with players to narrate their backstories, but the true beauty of rugby lies in its status as the ultimate team game. The narrative should encompass the characters of entire teams rather than focusing solely on individual players. The lack of confidence in embracing the sport’s uniqueness is evident, with attempts to appeal to a new audience possibly overshadowing the genuine charm of rugby.

As the series concludes, it becomes evident that the most compelling episodes are those that vividly depict the impact of defeat on teams like Italy and Scotland. A potential second series could be spectacular if it commits to a clearer narrative and confidently tells the stories that make rugby union an unparalleled sport.