World Rugby, Rugby World Cup 2025 Experiences
Moments that Matter, Women’s Rugby in Focus
There are moments as a photographer where everything aligns: the energy, the subject, the purpose. The Women’s Rugby World Cup Experiences launch at Allianz Stadium was exactly that. Bright April sunshine bathed the pitch, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and pride. For someone who lives and breathes rugby, and spent years both on and off the pitch, this event wasn’t just another assignment. It was an exciting moment. From the minute I walked into the stadium, I was met with familiar faces, players I’ve followed, photographed, cheered for. Friends from past campaigns and collaborators in the world of women’s sport. That sense of community, of something significant growing stronger, was in the air. And that’s exactly what I wanted my photographs to reflect.
I worked primarily with two lenses for this event: my trusted Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 and the 70-200mm f/2.8. The 50mm gave me that fly-on-wall intimacy. It’s a lens that lets me shoot with instinct, leaning into the emotional weight of a handshake, a glance, a spontaneous laugh. The 70-200mm a longer lens an ability to get in close and feel the moment without disrupting it offers the reach I needed to stay fluid, picking up details in the audience or zeroing in on player expressions during the panel session. This wasn’t a match-day brief. It was about showcasing the world around the game: the joy, the community, the premium experience that World Rugby and STH Group are offering to fans. From karaoke suites to disco lounges, incredible food to insightful talks, the brief was all about balance, candid authenticity and polished aspiration. I started the day capturing the hospitality zones pre-event: clean shots of dressed tables, perfectly poured cocktails, and signage that told the brand story. These shots matter just as much as the action, they set the tone, show the care, and speak to the quality of experience fans can expect come tournament time.
Stand-Out Visuals for Brands Backing Women’s Sport
When guests arrived, the energy shifted. I was ready. Drawn to connections: hugs between old teammates, wide smiles over shared drinks, laughter spilling out of the karaoke suite. There were moments where it all just clicked, Laura Jane Jones moderating a powerful panel with George Gregan, Rachael Burford, and Emma Wassell. Later, I joined the guests pitch side, a place I’ll be returning to throughout the tournament. I could feel the weight of anticipation for what’s to come. Being able to walk the grass with those who will fill the stands and represent their countries gave me an even deeper appreciation for what this World Cup means to the sport and its fans. There were quieter moments too, especially in the locker room where the gifting suites were thoughtfully laid out. I captured natural shots of guests as they explored the space and connected with the brand in an unforced, authentic way. Those lifestyle touches are what make these events memorable, they go beyond rugby to become cultural milestones. For me, stepping into the dressing room wasn’t just a photographer’s privilege, it was a personal highlight, as a lifelong fan of the game, it was a moment of deep connection.
Editorial-Ready Imagery that Connects & Converts
Throughout the day, I shot for versatility: landscape and portrait, wide and close, polished and raw. This shoot had to deliver across web, social, press, and sales. But it also had to deliver soul. That’s always my goal, creating images that resonate beyond the frame, that tell you something about the people, the purpose, the energy in the room. This isn’t just about capturing sport. It’s about championing women’s sport. About showing its vibrancy, its professionalism, its heart. I feel privileged to document these moments and help them reach wider audiences. As we count down to the tournament, I’ll be pitchside for many of the games, lens in hand, heart full. I’ll be there to witness it all: the grit, the joy, the defining moments of a tournament that will go down in history. And I’ll be there to tell those stories in the way I know best, through natural, soulful, powerful imagery that captures the real essence of rugby.
If you’re a brand, publisher, or commissioner looking to tell women’s rugby stories with depth and authenticity, I’d love to hear from you. Because this is more than a job, it’s my passion. And I bring that energy to every frame I make.
