Forever Strong

About Forever Strong

Forever Strong is a sport-drama film directed by Ryan Little and written by David Pliler to be released in September 26, 2008. The film stars Gary Cole, Sean Faris, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Penn Badgley and Arielle Kebbel. The film is about a troubled rugby union player who must play against the team his father coaches at the national championships. Forever Strong is based on a true story.

Talented but troubled high school rugby player Rick Penning (Sean Faris) loses his position as the star of an Arizona rugby union team when he is sentenced to a boys' home in Salt Lake City. Rick ends up playing for Salt Lake's famous Highland High School rugby team, coached by Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole), in the national championships - against his old team, which is coached by his father, Neal Penning (Neal McDonough). Emily (Arielle Kebbel) is Rick's love interest, and Marcus (Sean Astin) is his social worker.

Filming took place in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sean Faris was apparently running six miles twice a day to get in shape for the rugby. One day of filming, Faris sprained his ankle. The ankle was wrapped, and he continued on as any Rugby player would do. Several All-American rugby players added their talents to this film. They were predominantly from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University rugby teams and most were Highland Rugby alumni. Also current (2006 & 2007 players) and many other Highland alumni were featured in the movie. Filming began in August 2006. Locations for filming took place at around three high schools.