Photographing the RWC2025 Trophy Tour in York
Earlier this month, I had one of those pinch-me moments — the kind of job that gives you goosebumps before you’ve even picked up the camera! Being commissioned to photograph the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Trophy Tour as it arrived in York. Not just because of the subject matter (although I’ll admit, photographing a gold-plated global sporting trophy in front of York Minster is not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning), but because of what the whole project stands for.
This wasn’t just about rugby. It was about visibility, legacy, and using storytelling to shift the lens on women’s sport.
A Local Lens with a Global Vision
One of the things that stood out to me immediately was the ethos behind the brief. World Rugby and the RWC2025 team made a conscious decision to commission local female photographers at every stop of the tour. Their mission? To showcase the game through diverse, authentic perspectives and to challenge the traditional media landscape that still often sidelines women behind the camera as well as on the pitch.
As a York-based female photographer who works with brands to tell powerful stories through visuals, this really hit home. Representation behind the lens matters — because it changes how stories are framed, who’s centred, and what’s celebrated.
Each photographer was tasked with capturing their city’s distinct identity, showing how the Women’s Rugby World Cup can connect with local communities, history and culture. It’s not about generic stadium shots — it’s about making the game feel rooted, accessible and personal to the people in each host location. In York, we had it all: ancient landmarks, wide public spaces, and a community full of warmth and curiosity.
Capturing the Spirit of Rugby, York-Style
The brief was clear — capture the local spirit, show off our iconic architecture, and bring to life the emotional power of this tournament. With locations like Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and the city centre as our backdrop, I wanted to blend tradition with energy. The history of the city with the future of the game.
Throughout the day we had families stopping by, locals asking questions, people smiling and joining in — even if they didn’t fully realise what the trophy was at first. That’s part of the magic of taking something like this on tour. You’re not just promoting a tournament — you’re creating unexpected moments of inspiration, right there in the everyday.
More Than a Trophy
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is already a record-breaker. Over 300,000 tickets have been sold, and York is playing a starring role with six major matches, including New Zealand vs Spain and USA vs Australia. We’re not just hosting — we’re becoming part of the story. And as someone who’s always believed in the power of representation and storytelling, I felt incredibly proud to be contributing to that narrative through photography.
From a creative perspective, this shoot ticked every box — culture, community, visibility, and a powerful message about the future of women’s sport. Plus, seeing my images used across World Rugby’s platforms and in the press was a bit of a personal win too.
Take a look at the press releases around this exciting time!
Press:
