We’re thrilled to share some brilliant news from within the Taking Rugby Union community.
Lizzy - who worked with us as a commissioned freelance photographer during the Women’s Rugby World Cup - has been officially shortlisted as a finalist in the 2026 World Sports Photography Awards in the Rugby category. The image that has been nominated, above, depicts a contest for a high-ball during the England v. France semi final at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup.
Lizzy’s shortlisted image was captured during one of the standout moments of the tournament: the England v France semi-final, a match that produced some unforgettable rugby and, thanks to her, equally unforgettable imagery. You can see more of her work here: https://www.instagram.com/tez.photog/?hl=en
Lizzy messaged us to share the news - an email arriving completely out of the blue confirming her place among this year’s finalists. As she explained, these awards are one of the two major competitions that sports photographers across the world enter each year, often referred to as the “Olympics of sports photography.” With tough competition and entries from top professionals globally, reaching the finalist stage is a remarkable achievement.
What made Lizzy’s message even more special was the gratitude she expressed toward TRU for giving her the opportunity to work on such a major event this year. But truly, we’re the fortunate ones. Her professionalism, creativity, and ability to capture the emotion and intensity of elite women’s rugby have brought our World Cup coverage to another level.
Winners will be announced on 15 January, and while Lizzy modestly insists she has “zero expectations” of progressing further, simply being shortlisted among the world’s best sports photographers is a moment worth celebrating.
From all of us at TRU: Huge congratulations, Lizzy - and thank you for your outstanding work and for bringing women’s rugby to life through your lens!
