Beno Obano launches ‘Everybody’s Game’ Amazon documentary to ‘change perception of rugby union’

Bath and England prop attempts to shine a spotlight on the sport’s growing diversity in an attempt to open avenues into the game for people from a similar, less ‘traditional’ background

Bath and England prop Beno Obano has launched a new documentary that looks at the growing diversity within rugby union among his friends and colleagues, and how the sport can do so much more to open itself up to players from a similar background to him and other minority ethnicities.

‘Everybody’s Game’, will launch later this week on Amazon Prime as part of the online subscription service’s expansion into the sport, with the documentary coinciding with its ongoing coverage of the Autumn Nations Cup.

Obano is one of a number of black or mixed-race players currently within the England national team set up, with the side praised for its diversity at last year’s Rugby World Cup with players from very different backgrounds helping to represent the country more appropriately than in recent times.

“I think rugby has traditionally been a sport played and watched by middle-class white people,” said Obano, who made his England debut in the non-cap match against the Barbarians last summer.

READ MORE: How to watch Autumn Nations Cup on Amazon

“But, I’ve been able to benefit in so many ways from rugby and I obviously don’t fit that description.

“With this documentary I want to change the perception of rugby and expose it to more people by telling the stories of non-traditional rugby players in the hope that those spectating and participating in rugby may slowly begin to grow and diversify.”

In the documentary, which will be released on Thursday on Amazon Prime Video, Obano speaks to fellow England internationals Anthony Watson, Ellis Genge and cousin Maro Itoje about their experiences of growing up playing rugby union, and how more can be done to explore communities where the sport is not currently prominent.

Obano’s cousin, Maro Itoje, features in the documentary (Amazon Prime)

“Rugby has a special place in my heart, and it’s changed the course of my life,” Obano added. “I just feel more people should have that chance.”

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