The Wales coach has revealed that he has concerns over Netflixâs new documentary series around the Six Nations.
Sports docu-series have exploded over the past few years with the likes of âThe Last Danceâ proving that there is a huge audience out there.
Not only have these shows brought in revenue for Netflix but they have helped increase the viewership and popularity of the sport. A great example of this is âDrive to Surviveâ which dramatically upped the ratings for Formula One and brought in new fans.
Other platforms have also jumped onto this trend like Amazon with their âAll or Nothingâ series and Hulu with their stellar âWelcome to Wrexhamâ.
The next planned series for Netflix is based around the next Six Nations campaign but not everybody is overly enthused about the show.
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland admitted that he has concerns over the access that the crew will be given.
âI can tell you now that in a rugby environment, when you are talking about creating emotion, the language used isnât always appropriate. Especially when youâre talking about nations playing each otherâŚâ he told The Guardian.
âIn the past when weâve had the crews that have been involved with Lions and Wales, whatâs been really important is their ability to create a relationship with the players and the coaching team, so itâs almost like they become an invisible part of it.
âThen you find yourself just carrying on with your normal routine, because of the trust that you build up with them. So thatâs the challenge with Netflix. At the moment my understanding is that we donât have any editorial rights and that is a little bit of a concern because you want to make sure you are able to protect yourselfâŚ
âSometimes you say something that is a little bit out of kilter when youâre trying to get the best out of players, or theyâre trying to get the best out of each other.
âSome of the things that get said in the changing room might not be stuff that you actually always believe, but itâs part of getting the best out of your performance. And then afterwards youâre all friends and mates again.
âSo thereâs a few things that we need to be conscious of, and iron out. The last thing we need is to be bland in the way it comes across but Iâm also conscious that we need to protect ourselves, too. Thatâs pretty important.â
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