Once Were Lions

Once Were Lions gave us unprecedented and unfettered access to the Great Britain Rugby League Lions as they embarked on their first tour in 12 years, travelling with the squad through New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and capturing the bruises, brutal blows, camaraderie and pressures behind the scenes. The result was a candid, “warts-and-all” portrait of the team and a sport deeply rooted in the communities of Northern England. Beyond the rugby, the film explored class, masculinity, race, identity and the future of a sport searching to reclaim its place on the international stage.