Documentary showings will support New Trier Rugby

Reigning back-to-back state champions, New Trier Rugby gets the job done on the field. Off of it, they could use some help.

The program is raising funds for a trip to the national tournament with showings of the rugby-based documentary, “Brothers on Three,” on Thursday, March 19, and Sunday, March 22, at the American Legion, 1030 Central St., in Evanston.

Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance for the 7 p.m. show on Thursday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The proceeds will be split 50/50 between the rugby club and the legion.

New Trier Rugby is a nonprofit program that has been around since the early 2000s. While it features many New Trier student-athletes, it also welcomes players from nearby schools, including Loyola, Highland Park, Stevenson and Libertyville.

The club has achieved plenty of success through the years but its current run may be its best. New Trier was the state runnerup in 2022 before winning the championship in 2024 and 2025. New Trier also participated in a national tournament a year ago, surprising the competition on its way to the championship match.

New Trier Rugby, which is not affiliated with the high school, relies on dues and donations to power its program, and with aspirations of returning to nationals in May, the club hopes this fundraiser helps build up funds for travel, lodging, meals, the entry fee and more.

Team standout Declan O’Meara, a New Trier sophomore and standout running back on the football team, is leading the charge on the event. He said rugby is the epitome of a team sport and creates “a bond you don’t see in other sports.”

With that in mind, he hopes the documentary showings provide funding as well as awareness for the sport.

”Brothers on Three” follows the 2023 West Point rugby season, as the club — one of the country’s premier programs — defends its national championship.

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