Chasing the Sun (TV series)
| Chasing the Sun | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sports documentary |
| Created by | SuperSport Originals |
| Directed by | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Producers | SuperSport, SA Rugby, T+W |
| Running time | Approx. 40–50 minutes |
| Production companies | SuperSport Originals, SA Rugby, T+W |
| Original release | |
| Network | M-Net (DStv) / SuperSport / Showmax |
| Release | 4 October 2020 – 14 April 2024 |
Chasing the Sun is a South African televised sports documentary series produced by SuperSport Originals, in collaboration with SA Rugby and content agency T+W.[1] The five-part docuseries (for each season) chronicles the Springboks’ journey to winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to players, coaches and staff during their historic campaign.
The first season debuted on M-Net (DStv) in October 2020, later becoming available internationally via Showmax.[2][3] The series received critical and popular acclaim for its emotional depth, candid footage and compelling portrayal of teamwork, identity and national sporting pride.[4]
The second season expands its focus to include leadership dynamics, squad rotation, injury management, and tactical experimentation under head coach Jacques Nienaber and director of SA Rugby Rassie Erasmus.[5]
Background and production
The concept for Chasing The Sun originated with SuperSport and SA Rugby, who began filming behind the scenes during the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup campaign.[6] The crew travelled with the team throughout the year, documenting training sessions, team talks, personal moments and match preparations that had not previously been shown to the public. SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said the documentary would reveal “an entirely new layer of what makes the Springboks great”,[7] with SuperSport Chief Executive Gideon Khobane highlighting the story’s emotional and inspirational depth.
The series was completed under difficult conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with production and post-production teams adapting to restrictions.[4] Following its initial South African broadcast in late 2020, Chasing The Sun was made available to international audiences across Europe, Australasia and other territories via Showmax in 2021.[3]
Following the first season, SuperSport confirmed a second instalment documenting South Africa's attempt to defend the Rugby World Cup title.[8] Filming began during the 2022 international season and continued through the Rugby Championship, warm-up matches, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Episode list and summaries
Chasing The Sun follows a chronological narrative of the Springboks’ build-up to and success at the Rugby World Cup, with each episode focusing on key phases of the journey.
Episodes
| Series | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 5 | 4 October 2020 | 1 November 2020 | |
| 2 | 5 | 17 March 2024 | 14 April 2024 | |
Season 1 (2020)
| No. | Title | Directed by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 4 October 2020 | |
|
Documents the crisis in South African rugby during 2016–2017, including the historic 57–0 loss to New Zealand. Rassie Erasmus is appointed to rebuild the team's culture and selects Siya Kolisi as the captain to lead the redemption campaign. | ||||
| 2 | "Episode 2" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 11 October 2020 | |
|
Focuses on the 2018 victory in] and the emergence of scrum-half Herschel Jantjies. The squad also addresses the national crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa prior to departing for the tournament. | ||||
| 3 | "Episode 3" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 18 October 2020 | |
|
Covers the opening World Cup match against the]. Despite the defeat, the Springboks pick themselves up through the pool stages to rediscover their true identity as a team. | ||||
| 4 | "Episode 4" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 25 October 2020 | |
|
Details the start of the knockout stages, featuring the physically demanding quarter-final against hosts Japan and the tactical battle against Wales in the semi-final. | ||||
| 5 | "Episode 5" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 1 November 2020 | |
Season 2 (2024)
| No. | Title | Directed by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Back Under Pressure" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 17 March 2024 | |
|
The opening episode explores the scrutiny facing the Springboks following inconsistent performances in 2022 and early 2023. Head coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus confront public criticism while reinforcing a long-term vision built on squad rotation, resilience and internal trust as preparations for the Rugby World Cup intensify.[3] | ||||
| 2 | "Building Depth" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 24 March 2024 | |
|
This episode focuses on the deliberate expansion of squad depth through rotation and experimentation. Medical staff and conditioning coaches manage injuries and workload while fringe players are integrated into the system, highlighting how depth becomes a strategic advantage during a long international season. | ||||
| 3 | "Survive and Advance" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 31 March 2024 | |
|
Covering the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the episode examines South Africa's narrow defeat to Ireland and the internal recalibration that followed. Coaches and players reflect on discipline, adaptability and tactical clarity as the tournament moves toward the knockout phase. | ||||
| 4 | "One Point at a Time" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 7 April 2024 | |
|
The tension of knockout rugby takes centre stage as the Springboks secure a series of narrow victories. Behind-the-scenes footage captures emotional debriefs, strategic adjustments and the psychological toll of matches decided by the smallest of margins. | ||||
| 5 | "History Made" | Gareth Whittaker Greg Lomas | 14 April 2024 | |
|
The final episode chronicles the build-up to the Rugby World Cup final and South Africa's pursuit of a fourth title. Leadership moments, tactical decisions and quiet preparation culminate in the Springboks lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, cementing their place in rugby history. | ||||
Awards and nominations
Chasing The Sun has won significant honours in the South African and international creative industries:
- Grand Prix and Gold awards at the 2021 Loeries Creative Week.[9]
- South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs): Best Achievement in Cinematography for a documentary and Best Made-for-TV Documentary.[10]
- South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs): It was nominated for Best Achievement in Directing.[11]
- International Emmy Awards (2025): Nominated: Best Sports Documentary[12][13]
References
- ^ Staff (7 December 2021). "#ACACelebratingDiversity: Behind the award-winning Chasing the Sun with SuperSport and T+W". Bizcommunity. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Award-winning 'Chasing the Sun' comes to RugbyPass TV". www.rugbypass.com. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ a b c "Chasing the Sun now available internationally". SA Rugby. Archived from the original on 11 November 2025. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ a b Staff (25 October 2021). "More honours for Bok doccie "Chasing the Sun"". SA Rugby News.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "CHASING THE SUN 2: Achieving the impossible, a South African true story". SuperSport. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ "Chasing The Sun". Chasing The Sun. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ Staff (27 April 2020). "SuperSport and SA Rugby to release RWC 2019 documentary". SA Rugby News.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Xabanisa, Simnikiwe. "Chasing the Sun 2: Bok World Cup heroics to be captured in film". News24. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Reporter, Sports (25 October 2021). "Bok doccie 'Chasing the Sun' wins more awards". The Citizen. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ "The MultiChoice Group". MultiChoice. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ Lambley, Garrin (25 October 2021). "Springbok documentary 'Chasing the Sun' scoops more major awards". The South African. Retrieved 2 January 2026.
- ^ "SuperSport Hits The Global Stage: Chasing the Sun 2 Earns Coveted International Emmy® Nomination". SuperSport. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ Lesemane, Lineo (27 September 2025). "'Chasing the Sun 2' and other shows put SA third in 2025 International Emmy nominations". The Citizen. Retrieved 3 January 2026.