Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood is fronting a new mini-documentary series focusing in on community rugby club Maidenhead.
The Heart of the Game documentary was produced throughout the 2024/25 season at Maidenhead by Polar Media House and explores the very heart of community rugby in England.
Through powerful personal stories, behind-the-scenes access, and voices from across the game, the series captures the impact rugby has far beyond the pitch.
The 5-part series, which will be available on the England Rugby YouTube channel from the 17th April, explores the challenges rugby clubs face but also the breadth of their offering and support from men’s and women’s to kids, the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
In one poignant episode, Sarah Renton talks about the tragic passing of her talented rugby playing daughter Issy Phipps to suicide and how the rugby community helped her with her grief and focus.
The new changing room facilities for women and girls have been built in loving memory of Issy. Sarah has also been instrumental in working with mental health charity Brave Minds to bring mental health first aiders into rugby clubs.
Prominent voices such as World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward, RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney and RFU Executive Director of Rugby Development Steve Grainger also feature alongside the volunteers and players of Maidenhead.
Will Greenwood said: “We didn’t set off trying to make a documentary, we set off trying to understand why we were losing players, could we make the club better, could we be more attractive, and we genuinely thought we’d do a few clips for Instagram.
“But we kept filming and we kept finding more stories. We kept finding different people at the club who, other than their family and working lives, seemed to dedicate their time, energy and passion to Maidenhead rugby club.
“And it all came about at a time when the game was facing challenges.
“And my conclusion a year later is that there might be slightly fewer numbers but it’s what you do with those numbers – the quality and the fun you can have.
“The series is a real reminder that, especially at a time when we are bombarded by bad news, your community clubs are utterly vital for the physical and mental health of us all.”
Conor Crowe, Polar Media House, said: “We wanted to understand what was going on in community rugby. We quickly realised there was a much bigger story to be told, not just about Maidenhead but about rugby and how the volunteers keep these clubs alive.
“We wanted to highlight the good that goes on in these clubs, not just the rugby, but as a place of community and a place where people can feel comfortable and can also get support in many areas of their life not just getting fit and healthy.
“Along the way we learnt of the huge commitment people put in and the huge amount of good that happens as a result.
“It has been an incredible journey and we have learnt a lot, met some amazing people and we fell in love with the game again ourselves.
“We hope this documentary shines a light on how good rugby is and inspires a few more people to get involved at their local clubs.”
Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Bill Sweeney said: “The community game is the foundation and lifeblood of our sport. Every international player started at their local club.
“Rugby relies completely on the volunteers that run the game and we are very grateful to those that give up their time with such passion and energy.
“This series is a great celebration of all that is good about the grassroots game and the clubs centred at the heart of their community for whom they do so much.”
A special premiere event will be held on 15th April at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead. To register your interest in attending please click here.
Watch the trailer for Heart of the Game.
With thanks to the RFU
