ITV launches digital rugby series The Sidestep

ITV has launched The Sidestep, a digital content series covering the world of rugby union. 

It is fronted by Harlequins, England and British & Irish Lions playmaker Marcus Smith and Bristol, Wales and British & Irish Lions winger Louis Rees-Zammit, and commissioned by BE Studio, ITV’s branded entertainment studio, and produced by ITV Sport. 

The Sidestep will feature head-to-head challenges, pranks and sporting competitions between the hosts alongside studio discussions and guest interviews. The video version will be available through ITVX, YouTube and Spotify, with audio to be distributed via Global across all podcast platforms and short-form social cutdowns and community clips will be shared on social channels across TikTok, Instagram, X, Meta, and YouTube Shorts. 

Bhavit Chandrani, director of BE Studio, said: “With exclusive Nations Championship coverage this Autumn as well as the Guinness Men’s 6 Nations, ITV is undoubtedly the home of free-to-air rugby. We know how important fandom is, and in launching The Sidestep we can use the power and equity of ITV’s coverage to engage even further with rugby fans, which in turn creates opportunities for brands to engage with that fandom through this new digital-first proposition.”

Smith said: “I’m really excited to be launching The Sidestep alongside Louis, bringing a unique blend of insight, news and plenty of friendly rivalry to the biggest talking points in international rugby, entertainment and culture.”

Rees-Zammit said: “Working with Marcus on The Sidestep has already been a lot of fun and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been up to, and to bring our top level rugby insights to fans.”

Joe Szwed, senior digital producer, ITV Studios, said: “It’s been great to work with Louis and Marcus on this brand new series. To get insight into the world of rugby from two of the biggest international stars at the top of their game sets this series apart. Their enthusiasm and expertise delivers a unique approach to The Sidestep and we’re looking forward to more collaborations of this kind.”