'The Great Game' documentary celebrating rugby's oldest international fixture is released
02/12/2025 10:05 AM
‘THE GREAT GAME’ – a feature-length documentary revealing the drama, rivalries and cultural impact behind the birth of international rugby – has been released on RugbyPass TV and YouTube.
The hour long film delves into the historic first international rugby match, played between Scotland and England at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh on 27th March 1871, offering a comprehensive look at the events leading up to this monumental game and its lasting impact on the sport, with contributions from legends of the sport including Gavin Hastings, Jim Telfer, Finlay Calder, John Barclay, Sir Bill Beaumont, Stuart Barnes and Rob Andrew.
“Working on ‘The Great Game’ has been an incredible journey,” said the documentary host and award-winning journalist Richard Bath. “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.”
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The Raeburn Place Foundation, the charity which oversees the historic grounds of the inaugural match, spearheaded the production of this documentary, as part of wider campaign to highlight and celebrate this significant piece of sporting heritage, with plans being progressed to establish a Museum of International Rugby at Raeburn Place.
“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,” said Magnus Wake, the documentary director. “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.”
Watch a trailer for ‘The Great Game’ and the full hour long documentary via the links below.
‘The Great Game’ trailer:
‘The Great Game’ full documentary:
- You can also watch ‘The Great Game’ on RugbyPass TV, click HERE.
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.
The Raeburn Place Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that individuals, regardless of background or ability, have the opportunity to engage with, appreciate, and celebrate sport. The foundation’s objectives include the promotion of sport and heritage, with plans to develop a Museum of International Rugby at the historic Raeburn Place grounds. To find out more, click HERE.
The post ‘The Great Game’ documentary celebrating rugby’s oldest international fixture is released appeared first on Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line.
