Rugby Photographer of the Year is back!

The global search for the greatest rugby photographers on the planet is back, and once again culminating in an exhibition at the home of English rugby.

Now in its fifth year, Rugby Photographer of the Year, is organised by print quarterly Rugby Journal, in partnership with the World Rugby Museum and is the biggest competition of its kind within the game.

Open to amateur and professional photographers, every year the competition brings together not only seasoned professionals, but also the best amateurs and exciting new talent from across the photographic world.

“We had over a thousand entries last year and the shortlist delivered a stunning exhibition at the World Rugby Museum at Allianz Stadium,” said Alex Mead, Editor-in-Chief of Rugby Journal, who heads up the panel of judges. “Every year, the standard gets higher with experienced photographers always raising their game, but with newcomers bringing their own unique take on our sport.”

Phil McGowan, Museum Curator, World Rugby Museum, said: “Since 2020, the Rugby Photographer of the Year has showcased the talents of photographers around the world and provided us with a snapshot of how rugby is played, where and by whom. We look forward with anticipation to this year’s submissions and encourage as many as possible to get involved and hopefully have your work showcased here at the World Rugby Museum.”

This year there are eight categories, including two new categories: Grassroots Photographer of the Year and Women’s Rugby Photographer of the Year.

The full list of categories are as follows:

Action Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Keith Prowse

Grassroots Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Vodafone

Women’s Rugby Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Rhino

Young Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Premier Sports

Portrait Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Nyetimber

Spirit of Rugby Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Kamado Joe

Landscape Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by World Rugby Museum

Portfolio Photographer of the Year
Sponsored by Sporting Eric

Entries will close at 11:59pm on 8th May 2026, whereby our panel of experts will begin the judging process. Winners will be announced at the awards evening at the World Rugby Museum in Allianz Stadium. 

Enter now via therugbyjournal.com/rpoty-2026

Rugby Photographer of the Year Sponsors