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New Zealand All Blacks’ captain Richie McCaw holding the Webb Ellis Cup after defeating France in the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final.

5 Best Rugby Movies Should See Now

Rugby is a sport that is loved by many across the world because of its fast-paced action, physical and mental strength, and strategic gameplay. It is played by hooligans and watched by gentlemen. In the recent past, on and off the pitch strands have  evolved making it an entertainment hub and offering opportunities for people to go out to have fun without even understanding the game. It has also inspired some truly incredible movies that showcase the excitement and drama of the sport. Some of the films produced will defiitely leave you on the edge of your seat.

In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the best rugby movies that you should see right now. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or just looking for an exciting sports movie to watch, these films are sure to deliver.

1. Invictus (2009)

Clint Eastwood at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Author Fanny Bouton at https://www.flickr.com/photos/73783695@N00/.

This movie produced in 2009 and directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the story of how Nelson Mandela dismantled the apartheid regime and becamet president of South Africa. Interestingly and never seen before, it  focuses on Mandela’s use of rugby to unite a country torn apart by racial tensions and prejudice. Mandela’s love for rugby is the inspiration behind this movie that has received world acclamation.

It is a culmination of previous works from John Carlin’s book “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Forged a Nation,” the motion picture was created.  It also draws from the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, which Mandela used as motivation when imprisoned on Robben Island, giving it the title.

Notable characters in the movie include Matt Damon who acts as Francois Pienaar, the former captain of the South African rugby team, while Morgan Freeman gives a stirring performance as Nelson Mandela. 

For movie enthusiasts, some valuable lessons can be derived from this movie.  An unforgettable lesson is that forgiveness liberates the soul. It also shows that inspiration is the key to nation-building and exceeding personal expectations.

Get more interesting stories about Nelson Mandela here

2. Forever Strong (2008)

Forever Strong is a 2008 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Little. It is based on a true story, where, the main character Rick Penning, a skilled and rebellious high school rugby player,  gets arrested and is put in a juvenile detention facility. Because of his love for rugby, he is recruited into the rugby team in the correctional facility, which is led by Larry Gelwix, a disciplinarian who tries to push this young lad to change his ways, but he remains defiant and spends more time in detention. During the difficulties he encounters on and off the field, Rick discovers valuable lessons about accountability, cooperation, and the strength of forgiveness. He also plays against his father in the national championships at some point. 

It talks about the successes of the  Highland Rugby high school squad. It was actually a novel. The rugby team’s slogan at Highland High School served as the inspiration for the title of the movie. 

3. All Blacks: The Legend of Buck Shelford (2015)

Sir Wayne Shelford, after his investiture as KNZM, for services to rugby and the community, at Government House, Auckland, on 28 May 2022. Author New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General. Wikimedia Commons

This is a 2015 New Zealand documentary film that focuses on the life and career of former All Blacks captain Wayne “Buck” Shelford, one of the greatest No.8’s and hardest men to ever play rugby . His journey from childhood all the way upto his stint at the highest level of rugby playing for the All Blacks.

One of the notable scenes is the historic 1986 “Battle of Nantes” match between England and France, in which Shelford was injured and had to be stitched after sustaining a horrific damage to his scrotum. A brave personality he continued to play despite the injury and assisted in the All Blacks’ historic triumph. Shelford and other legendary rugby players including Sir Graham Henry, Sir John Kirwan, and Sir Michael Jones are also given the opportunity to give their account in the documentary. 

4. Beyond the Tryline (2016)

This is a British documentary film produced in 2016 and draws inspiration from the thirst that rugby people have in trying to know what the game is all about. The narrative revolves  around a large family of characters, including players, coaches, referees, fans, groundskeepers, physios, parents, and even a prince, with the Rugby World Cup serving as the backdrop and entry point.

The movie enlightens us all on the history and traditions of rugby. It also gives us an insight on the social and political challenges of the England rugby team as they prepared for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

5. Chasing Great (2016)

This is movie was produced in 2016, and, the theme is based on the life and times of New Zealand rugby legend Richie McCaw, considered one of the best rugby player in the world. It brings to light  the All Black’s 2015 preparations for the upcoming World Cup and their determination to get into the history books as the first team to win  back-to-back World Cups.

Part of the movie includes live interviews and behind-the-scene videos of McCaw, his family, friends, and All Blacks teammates as they prepare for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

Read about the10 Most Famous New Zealand Rugby Players of All Time.

In conclusion, rugby has produced a number of fascinating that you will not regret watching. The 5 films discussed above  have something to offer everyone. Whether you are a lover of the game or not just take time and watch them and you will not be the same person again.