Despite the plot being to introduce rugby to the school this was, in fact, introducing the shortened 7-a-side rugby game. The normal version of rugby is 15-a-side, comprising 8 forwards and 7 backs. The 7s game only last 7 minutes each way whereas the 15s game last for 40 minutes each way. When the players meet the USA team, and their famous coach, this is, again, only their 7s team who compete well at the international tournaments. The 15s team is does not compete so well against other top tier nations such as New Zealand and Australia.
This film is loosely based on Coach James Brunson who played rugby for the University of Hartford.