"The Great Game" Documentary Premieres on RugbyPass TV
Rugby enthusiasts can now experience the origins of international rugby with the release of The Great Game, available to watch for free on RugbyPass TV or on YouTube.
Legends Sir Bill Beaumont, Gavin Hastings, and Rob Andrew lead the charge in The Great Game, a feature-length documentary revealing the drama, rivalries, and cultural impact behind the birth of international rugby. In 1871, at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh, Scotland and England clashed for the first time. This is the untold story of how it all began.
This feature-length documentary delves into the historic first international rugby match between Scotland and England, held at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh on 27 March 1871. The film offers a comprehensive look at the events leading up to this monumental game and its lasting impact on the sport. Presented by award-winning journalist Richard Bath, The Great Game features insights from rugby legends such as Sir Bill Beaumont, Gavin Hastings, and Jim Telfer.
The documentary combines expert commentary, dramatic re-enactments, and newly discovered archival material to bring this pivotal moment in sporting history to life.
Richard Bath, Presenter and Historian:
"Working on The Great Game has been an incredible journey. Meeting and filming with legends like Sir Bill Beaumont and Gavin Hastings was a real highlight. Capturing John Barclay reflecting on his time playing for Scotland—and getting quite emotional—was a powerful moment. It’s been a real privilege to bring this story to life.
The Raeburn Place Foundation, the charity overseeing the historic grounds of the inaugural match, spearheaded the production of this documentary. The foundation aims to highlight this significant piece of sporting heritage and has plans to establish a Museum of International Rugby at Raeburn Place.
Director Magnus Wake, known for his award-winning work in film and commercials, lends his signature style to this project, crafting dramatic recreations that bring excitement, and a fresh perspective to this untold story.
Magnus Wake, Director:
"Filming the match re-enactment at Fettes, just up from Raeburn Place where the original game was played, was a huge effort—capturing the full game with professional actors and period costumes. We even had descendants of the original players in the crowd. The fact that this film was crowdfunded, with fantastic support from the rugby community and sponsors, shows just how much passion people from all walks of life have for the game."
The Great Game was made possible through substantial private backing, crowdfunding, charitable donations, and corporate sponsorships, including support from The Famous Grouse, Brewin Dolphin, and Samurai Sports.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the roots of international rugby. Watch The Great Game now on RugbyPass TV and YouTube.
https://rugbypass.tv/video/756751
Trailer: https://youtu.be/RZkJ-YECoGI
Watch on RugbyPass TV: Watch on RugbyPass TV YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXsdRh7VOs4