Netflix are "closing in" on a deal to produce a behind-the-scenes documentary of the 2023 Six Nations similar to Formula 1's Drive to Survive series, according to reports.
With the deal nearing completion, MailOnline report that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and driver George Russell have been in discussions with rugby players, coaches and chief executives to discuss the impact their own Netflix series has had on their sport.
Since launching in 2019, Drive to Survive has helped to grow the popularity of F1 globally throughout its four series, with rugby crying out for something similar given recent financial pressures within the sport.
The hope is that a similar product for European rugby's men's showpiece would not only drive a growth in popularity of the sport on this continent, but further afield, with America a big market yet to be fully cracked ahead of the men's 2031 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States ahead of the women's World Cup in 2033.
The fact that Mercedes duo Wolff and Russell sang the praises of Drive to Survive in meetings with figures from rugby is particularly notable, given they initially refused to take part in the series at the start of its run.
Talk of a deal between the streaming giant and the Six Nations was first reported in October. At the time, it was reported that England and Wales had finally decided to lift their ban on cameras being allowed into their inner sanctum, granting both Netflix as well as broadcast rights holders BBC and ITV greater access than ever before.
While no deal has been formally announced, it is expected that something official will come out in the new year.
READ MORE:
