Shortlisted Rugby Journal Photographer of the Year

Shortlisted Again: Why the Rugby Journal Photographer of the Year Nomination Means So Much

Capturing the Spirit of the Game

Shortlisted Rugby Journal Photographer of the Year, Action

There are few things I love more than photographing rugby. It’s a sport that embodies everything I admire, strength, resilience, camaraderie, and the sheer determination to leave everything on the field. Whether it’s grassroots clubs or international test matches, the energy is raw, the commitment is total, and the stories are endless. That’s why being shortlisted for Rugby Journal’s Photographer of the Year award means so much to me. Not just this year, but every year since the competition began, I’ve been fortunate to be recognised among some of the best in the field. And while I may not have taken home the top prize yet, the honour of being consistently shortlisted reaffirms my deep connection to the game and my passion for capturing its essence.

Capturing the Spirit of the Game

One of my favourite publications to shoot for is Rugby Journal. Their commitment to covering the full breadth of the rugby community is unmatched, championing stories from the elite game to grassroots clubs, and everything in between. Their features go beyond the action shots; they tell the human stories that make rugby the family it is. This year, I was shortlisted in the Action category for an image taken at the record-breaking England vs. Ireland Women’s Six Nations match. In the shot, Meg Jones leaps for joy as she crosses the try line, a moment of pure elation, one of many that day. Twickenham, sorry, the Allianz Stadium, was packed with families, young children, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, all celebrating the rise of women’s rugby. It was electric, and I was grateful to be there to document it. But truthfully? I didn’t expect to win this time. I felt a different series I photographed for Rugby Journal in early 2024 was much stronger. But I understand why fresh images take priority, and I was proud to see my work up there among the best.

One Day, Maybe the Bride

Rugby is my favourite sport to photograph, hands down. I love it because I understand it, every nuance, every split-second decision, every tactical shift. I follow both the men’s and women’s game avidly, and I appreciate the absolute grit it takes to play. There’s no hiding place in rugby. It’s bodies on the line, total commitment, and a deep trust in your teammates. That’s why I’m drawn to capturing its stories, its highs and lows, and the moments that define matches and careers. I was delighted to celebrate the winner, Adrian, at the awards evening, his work is stunning, and the recognition was well deserved. The shortlisted images, including mine, will be on display for the rest of the year at the Rugby Museum at Allianz Stadium, and I couldn’t be prouder to be included.

They say, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” And sure, I’ve yet to take home the award, but to me, being part of this competition and this publication is already a win. Rugby is a sport that has given me so much, and being able to contribute to its visual storytelling is an honour in itself. If only they had rugby for girls when I was younger, I would have signed up in a heartbeat. Knowing what I know now about the game, its community, and the lifelong bonds it creates, I would have been out there, muddy boots and all. But instead, I get to tell these stories through my lens, and that’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted. So, maybe next year is my year. But for now, I’ll keep capturing the moments that make this sport so special, from grassroots pitches to the grandest stadiums. Because for me, rugby isn’t just a game, it’s home.

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Ellie Kildunne Scores a try at the 2024 England V Ireland Women’s Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium © Karen Yeomans