February marks the beginning of another Six Nations Rugby campaign, but also the release of the highly anticipated second series of rugby docu-series Full Contact on Netflix. The first series aired on Netflix in January 2024, covering the 2023 Six Nations tournament. Netflix are seemingly on a roll of producing sports docu-series, with other examples including the highly successful Drive to Survive that has followed several Formula 1 seasons, and Break Point, the tennis equivalent.
However, Full Contact was not without its critics: “it was laboured and awkward in comparison to some of the other Netflix shows, perhaps overly staged”. The documentary followed each of the six teams competing in the tournament, with a dedicated episode focusing on a key player or key moment of the 2023 competition. A YouGov poll found that “buzz” and excitement around the Six Nations had increased significantly following the release of the Netflix show.
The 2024 campaign saw Ireland crowned victorious for another back-to-back Championship. Key moments included Italy’s shock win against Scotland in Rome, and Marcus Smith’s last-minute drop goal that secured the win for England against Ireland. The absence of Antoine Dupont significantly stuttered the French side, but it was ultimately the Welsh team that finished bottom and brought home the Wooden Spoon. The second series of Full Contact was released in January 2025, and showcases all these highlights from this 2024 campaign.
Yet, before the second series had even been launched on the streaming platform, Netflix announced that their partnership with the Six Nations had come to an end and that the docu-series would be pulled. Supposedly, the series had not achieved the viewership numbers or overall impact that Netflix had hoped for. Although it is important to note that, typically, rugby does not have the vast international fan base that other sports such as Formula 1 may generate. Some claim that “the market is too saturated”, with Netflix engaging with various aforementioned sports docu-series.
Nevertheless, the 2025 Six Nations campaign got underway on Friday 31 January with France comfortably beating Wales 43-0. As always with the hotly-contested Six Nations competition, there will be key players and match-ups to look out for. Romain Ntamack is back in the French side following a serious knee injury that left him out of the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Six Nations. The French side will also have Antoine Dupont back in the 15s following his brief stint in the French Rugby sevens team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ireland will be hoping to retain their title under the new interim coach, Simon Easterby. With Andy Farrell focusing on the upcoming Lions’ tour to Australia this summer, Easterby will move from defensive coach to head coach for the Six Nations tournament.
With regards to England’s campaign, former England wing Ugo Monye told BBC Sport: “England are at a stage now that they need to deliver a title. With the player pool, domestic game and finances, they have to do it.” But will it be Scotland who come out victorious despite the loss of their captain, Sione Tuipulotu, due to injury? Will it be another wooden spoon for the Welsh side, or will they manage to end their 12-match losing streak in time for their second match against Italy on Saturday 8 February. Italy will be hoping to improve on their fifth place position from the last campaign, with captain Sebastian Negri leading them.
