By HQ
April 24 2026

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 five-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.

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