Review: 'Six Nations: Full Contact'

 by Archie B

On the 24th of January, a documentary like no other was released. It portrayed the grit and determination that each player puts in, the pressure resting on every man's shoulder, the blood, sweat, and tears. The magical highs, and the crushing lows. Your whole country relying on you. Expecting. 

This is, of course, the brutal game, that is rugby. Not just rugby; something far more.

The Six Nations. 

Now, what is the six nations?

The six nations first formed in 1883, originally called ‘The Home Nations Championship’. This consisted of four teams, unlike the current number of six.

These teams were England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Later, in 1910, France joined the acclaimed tournament, before Italy then came along in 2000. 

The tournament takes place every year, with each team playing the other five teams once. If you win all of the games, this is called a ‘Grand Slam’. France and Wales have won the most of these, whilst England have won the most six nations, but have only won two grand slams. Ireland have won five six nations, with three grand slams secured, however Italy and Scotland have both not succeeded on this matter, winning zero six nation titles. 

The critically-acclaimed documentary shows behind-the-scenes information, helping viewers understand what players experience. The creators of this show expertly released it a couple of mere weeks before the start of this year's six nations, probably in hope of gaining plenty of viewers to add on to the already hugely popular event. This show has already been a big hit, gaining millions of views on Netflix, simply because of how interesting it is. The fact that Ellis Genge, England's star prop, sometimes doubts whether he belongs in the team, just because of the school he went to. The fact that Lois Rees-Zammit struggles regularly with his mental health. The fact that athletes are humans too. 

One moment I felt was really fascinating, how a couple of days before one of Wales's biggest games of the year, against England, the Welsh players went on strike, in a row over pay. This sparked anger in many, whilst also showing the sense of togetherness between the players, because it was not all of the players that were not being paid. I think this also shows the fact that the relationship you have with your fellow teammates is one of the strongest bonds you can find.

Six nations: full contact is a real eye-opener; it makes you understand what it's like to be in your favourite player’s boots. Personally, I think it's a must watch, especially as the grand tournament has just begun in real life, as it really helps your knowledge of the players and the game; not just on the pitch.