Lions BTS doc gets ITV premiere

Three-part documentary series, Two Sides, showing behind-the-scenes of the 2021 British & Irish Lions Series will premiere at 10.20pm on ITV this Sunday (19 June). 

Two Sides was co-produced by Whisper and T+W, with both the British & Irish Lions and South African Rugby Union taking part to show what happened in both camps during the series. The three hour-long episodes will be shown on Sunday 19 June (10.20pm BST); Monday 20 June (10.45pm); and Tuesday 21 June (10.45pm).

Whisper also created match highlights and build-up coverage for the tour last year.

The documentary features fly-on-the-wall footage of both camps to give fans a look at the teams’ preparations and what went on during the matches, as well as a glimpse into the workings of a unique and memorable sporting event.

Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions managing director, said: “The British & Irish Lions and documentaries are inextricably linked. Going back to 1997 with the unforgettable ‘Living with Lions’, the Lions have produced a documentary capturing behind-the-scenes moments of every subsequent Tour. This particular documentary shows how both sides rose to the unprecedented challenge of hosting a major sporting event during a global pandemic.”

South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux added: “I know rugby fans are going to find this documentary fascinating and entertaining in equal measure, with the added twist this time of getting a fly-on-the-wall view of both camps involved in this unique tour. We are delighted to partner with The British & Irish Lions on Two Sides, which will act as a wonderful archive for rugby fans to look back upon for decades to come.”