A High School Rugby Game for a Cause

Chicago - Three games into this season, the reigning Illinois high school state champion rugby team take the field Friday night against the team they beat to win the crown last year, but a bigger battle is being fought on the sidelines.

It's a battle against childhood cancer and for this cause, everyone is on the same team.

As defending state rugby champs, the Brother Rice Crusaders have a lot to be proud of, but perhaps greatest triumph will come Friday night.

The Crusaders will be joining forces with little 5-year-old Anthony, 11-year-old Sami Henderson, and six other kids fighting cancer.

Rice Coach Brian Gilmartin said he couldn't be prouder.

All the kids are getting cancer treatment at Christ Advocate Hope Hospital and they are being adopted by the Rice rugby team. These honorary captains will be the game’s ball boys and girls.

It's a game plan that has already scored points for the cancer kids and their rugby-playing mates.

Conor Healy is a Brother Rice senior whose little brother, Michael, is a cancer survivor for five years now.

Healy said it's the perfect winning formula for the team and the kids fighting cancer.

"It’s the best way to play this game. Play it with a purpose," Healy said.

The Crusaders will take on Naperville High School Friday at Rice's home field at 99th and Pulaski at 7 p.m. The gates will open by 5 p.m.

Its $5 at the door and all gate and food sales will be donated to Hope Children's Hospital for kids' cancer research.