What the film covers
Brothers on Three is a documentary that delves into the rugby program at the United States Military Academy in West Point, a program that defies stereotypes and history. The film opens with exuberant scenes from Houston, Texas, in 2022 — a vivid reminder that the drive and joy of rugby can emerge anywhere, even within the hallowed halls of a military academy. The core narrative follows the team as it captures the best winning record among men’s sports at West Point, illustrating how rugby shapes discipline, teamwork, and leadership in ways that resonate far beyond the pitch.
Rugby’s role at West Point
Rugby’s ascent at West Point is a compelling case study in how non-traditional sports can flourish within a demanding military environment. The documentary traces the program’s growth, the recruitment and training processes, and the daily commitments that set this team apart. Unlike more high-profile college sports, rugby demands a blend of endurance, tactical thinking, and camaraderie that aligns closely with the Army’s core values: integrity, service, and excellence. The film also highlights how the sport acts as a unifying force for cadets who balance rigorous academics, military duties, and social life.
Why this story matters
Beyond its on-field triumphs, Brothers on Three offers a window into the lived experience of West Point cadets. The documentary uses intimate interviews and candid game footage to explore the personal costs and rewards of pursuing rugby at a service academy. Viewers gain insight into leadership development, teamwork under pressure, and the resilience required to excel in a program that treats every match as a proving ground for character as much as for physical skill. The West Point rugby journey becomes a broader narrative about how sport can complement military training, shaping well-rounded officers who lead with heart as well as strategy.
The film’s structure and style
Structured as a coming-of-age story within a team sport, Brothers on Three blends archival game clips, travel days, and locker-room conversations to paint a full portrait of the squad. The documentary emphasizes human moments — the awkward practice drills, the late-night film study, the shared jokes that strengthen trust among teammates. This approach allows audiences to appreciate rugby’s intensity and its unique rhythm, characterized by fast breaks, hard tackles, and strategic pacing that rewards discipline and teamwork over individual glory.
Impact and reception
Since its premiere, the film has sparked conversations about the place of rugby in American collegiate athletics and the ways in which service academies cultivate athletic excellence under unique constraints. Fans and critics alike have praised the documentary for its earnest portrayal of perseverance, its clear depiction of the sport’s rules and flow, and its ability to translate a niche college sport into a universal story about resilience and brotherhood. For West Point alumni and rugby enthusiasts, Brothers on Three offers a fresh lens on a well-trodden institution through the evolving lens of competitive rugby.
What viewers can take away
Audience members will come away with a deeper appreciation for rugby’s physicality and strategy, as well as the discipline required to balance military commitments with high-level athletics. The film invites supporters of college rugby to reflect on how teams at service academies navigate traditional boundaries to produce enduring legacies of success. In short, Brothers on Three is both a celebration of a winning rugby program and a thoughtful exploration of leadership, teamwork, and grit in an elite, purpose-driven environment.
