The Story of Rugby

This episode has no summary.

This episode has no summary.

After WWII, a zeal for 'rugby values' inspired a generation of converts to develop the game across the globe. And rugby welcomed a new breed of supporter, on and off the field: women!

Rugby has had an enormously turbulent history. This week we explore the 1870s fracture between "soccer" and "rugger", the South African boycotts and the battle between Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer.

Rugby exploded in popularity after Rupert Murdoch invested half a billion dollars and turned it professional. And the first truly global superstar was our very own Jonah Lomu!

By 2026, rugby will be played in 150 countries on a scale unrecognizable from today. The grass-roots sport is going boldly where it's never been, or even dreamed of going, before.