Forever Strong is a 2008 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Little, written by David Pliler and released on September 26, 2008.

After losing the championship to their rivals the Highland Rugby Team, Rick drinks and drives, resulting in a crash that seriously injures his girlfriend, Tammy (Tyler Kain).

[2] The manager of the center, Marcus (Sean Astin) puts him on the Highland rugby team much to his chagrin, coached by Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole).

Driving home after a celebration meal, the team is helping a mother and two children with a flat tire when a passing car clips one of the boys.

The name of the film is based on a phrase that Gelwix often shares with his team members, "kia kaha" which in the Maori language means Stay strong.

[5] Forever Strong is based on an amalgam of true stories about the Highland Rugby high school team.

[3] The character Rick Penning is based on a real member of the rugby team who played in Flagstaff, Arizona, and was sent to a group home in Salt Lake City.

Producer Adam Abel and Director Ryan Little were attracted to the story because of Highland Rugby's tradition of winning both on and off the field.

[6] Forever Strong was released in the fall of 2008 and distributed by Crane Movie Co., a short-lived division of Excel Entertainment Group.

The iwi (tribal grouping) Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha is credited with composing this particular haka.