Netflix to give Six Nations the 'Drive to Survive' treatment

In a 'Drive to Survive' style that helped bring Formula 1 to a wider audience, the hope is that rugby union receives a similar boost in terms of viewing numbers.

The 2023 Six Nations obviously comes in a Rugby World Cup year, as coaches and players look to put their best foot forward in preparation for September.

Indeed, players will be desperate to secure their places at the global tournament which, as mentioned, takes place on French soil later in the coming year.

Prime Video have tested rugby's waters in the past with the 'All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks' series, which followed the team and first aired in 2018.

Netflix announced the move to cover the Six Nations alongside the release date of the fifth season of 'Drive to Survive', showing how popular it has become.

They are also set to have a series on soccer's 2022 World Cup, with a trailer released for a golf series, 'Full Swing', and 'Break Point' (tennis) out on Friday.

"This eclectic group of new and returning series reinforces that we are committed to delivering the best sports stories to our fans," explained Brandon Riegg, vice president of unscripted and documentary series at Netflix in a statement on Thursday.

"By going behind-the-scenes of the world's biggest sporting events with unprecedented access, we have a unique opportunity to share the triumphs, tribulations and drama of these iconic moments with our hundreds of millions of global members."

France are the reigning champions of the Six Nations and will be eager to defend their crown in 2023, especially with a World Cup on home soil to come.

They are set to face stiff competition from the likes of the game's top ranked side, Ireland, while England and Wales have new head coaches at the helm after Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland replaced Eddie Jones and Wayne Pivac respectively.

Gregor Townsend's Scotland promise to be an interesting watch in the series as the head coach's much publicised relationship with fly-half Finn Russell goes under the microscope, while a rejuvenated Italy side look to build on an upsurge in form.