PROVEN (2023) – New England Free Jacks

Where to Watch: The Rugby Network (Free)

If you want to experience the grit, camaraderie, and unrelenting determination of a championship-winning squad, look no further than PROVEN. This five-part docuseries takes fans inside the New England Free Jacks’ 2023 season, offering an up-close perspective on their journey to MLR glory. With intense matchday moments, raw locker room emotions, and an authentic look at the sacrifices needed to win, PROVEN is as much about the team’s culture as it is about the sport itself.

Produced by RugbyPass and The Free Jacks, the series does an excellent job balancing action-packed rugby footage with personal player stories. It’s a true testament to what makes the Free Jacks special, both on and off the pitch. Best of all, it’s free to stream on The Rugby Network—so there’s no excuse to miss out on this inside look at New England’s road to success.

QUEST FOR THE SHIELD (2024) – San Diego Legion

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (Rent: $5.99, Buy: $19.99)

For those interested in the evolution of Major League Rugby and the struggles of building a championship team, Quest for the Shield delivers a step by step narrative. Chronicling the San Diego Legion’s rollercoaster journey, this documentary provides insight into the hardships of professional rugby in the U.S.—from the financial challenges of the league’s early years to the team’s heartbreak in the 2023 MLR Championship Final.

Featuring interviews with co-owners, players, and coaches, it gives an honest look at the business side of rugby, including housing issues, injuries, and much more. With an impressive 9.1/10 rating on IMDb, it’s clear that this film resonates with rugby fans. If you’re willing to invest in the rental fee, Quest for the Shield is a deep, emotional dive into one of MLR’s founding teams.

United States of Rugby (2025) – Chicago Hounds

Where to Watch: Roku TV (Free)

The newest entry into MLR’s documentary lineup, United States of Rugby, focuses on the Chicago Hounds as they enter their second season in the league. More than just a team story, this series also explores the bigger picture, how rugby can grow in America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. With weekly episodes dropping on Roku TV, it’s an ongoing journey that keeps fans engaged as the season unfolds.

Where PROVEN and Quest for the Shield highlight specific teams’ past successes and struggles, United States of Rugby asks a bigger question: Can rugby truly take hold in the U.S.? By featuring rising stars like Luke White and Bryce Campbell, the series aims to bring new audiences into the sport while documenting Chicago’s chase for the MLR Shield.

Where should you start?

Each documentary offers something unique:

If you want an intense and gitty championship story full of high-energy rugby action, player stories and compelling cultures PROVEN is the pick.
If you’re intrigued by the behind-the-scenes realities of running an MLR team, Quest for the Shield is the way to go.
If you’re looking for a broader view of rugby’s future in the U.S. spliced together with player stories and behind action, United States of Rugby an MLR team is your best bet.

Ultimately you should watch all three of these amazing ‘Docs’ that capture some of the rawest emotion filled moments of Major League Rugby’s History. With MLR expanding and these stories being told on major platforms, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of American rugby. So grab your remote, pick your documentary, and immerse yourself in the journey of Major League Rugby’s most fascinating teams.