First XV

A “Mirchee Films” FILM
WRITTEN BY Monti Issar

How do you build pride and confidence among a rag tag bunch of kids all looking for something to believe in? One man found the answer - through the enduring spirit of rugby.
FIRST XV, the inspirational film from Mirchee Films, takes you on an emotional journey to the brink and beyond as it follows the fortunes of three families from small-town WAIROA whose lives – and cultures – collide in spectacular fashion.
Willy Moon is a championship winning high school coach who moves back home after his son is tragically paralysed in a rugby match.
Home is small town Wairoa, in the remote eastern North Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big city – and a place where dreams seldom come true. His days are spent fishing and pondering what might have been. It’s bleak times also down at the local high school where they’re facing funding cuts, flagging morale and rising street violence.
To make matters worse, the first XV is without a coach and in the middle of the worst losing streak in high school history. The team haven’t won a match in over a year and time is running out fast - they’ve got to win three of their last four matches otherwise they’ll be booted out of the competition.
With nothing to lose, the big city coach with the even bigger reputation accepts the challenge of his life but finds beating the opposition is only half the battle.
When he introduces an Indian boy just new to town into the squad there’s a backlash that costs one family a son and almost drives a wedge through the entire community.
But from tragedy and heartbreak springs hope leading to a victory for all ages and the community.
First XV – will have you cheering from your seats as you watch one man rouse the pride of an entire town – and find something himself to live for in the process.