Rugby school play Sedbergh school in a 1st XV match on the pitch where the sport was invented. Warwickshire, January 2015
Chasing the Chariot: Searching for the Soul of English Rugby
In September 2015, England hosted the Rugby World Cup. In the months leading up to the tournament, I decided to travel around the country, trying to find the sport's heartbeat. From the field in Rugby school where it first began, to the city of Gloucester with its diehard fans; from Wigan where the game is struggling against the popularity of rugby league, to the vast, corporate national stadium of Twickenham. England is a rugby country boasting more players than any other, but one which struggles to find a clear identity.
A dog excitedly watches the Longlevens rugby club v Old Colstonians match in the Gloucester 1 division. Gloucester, January 2015
Gloucester supporters walk past the giant rugby ball on the roof of the Deans Walk pub, on their way to the Gloucester v Bath Aviva Premiership match at Kingsholm stadium. Gloucester, December 2014
The two teams line up for the national anthems before the England v France Six Nations international rugby union match at the Twickenham Stadium. London, March 2015
Women with red rose headwear by a champagne concession outside the ground before the England v Italy Six Nations international rugby union match at the Twickenham Stadium. London, February 2015
Rugby team shirts, with The St George flag motif and the date 1823, when the game was invented by William Webb Ellis, during the 1st XV match v Sedbergh school. Warwickshire, January 2015
The once famous Orrell rugby club forced to have their training night on astroturf football pitches at St John Rigby school in Orrell. Lancashire, January 2015
Two mascots sing the national anthem in front of England players Luther Burrell, Mike Brown and captain Chris Robshaw during England v Italy Six Nations international rugby union match at the Twickenham Stadium. London, February 2015
A homemade set of rugby posts erected in a farmer's field. Gloucestershire, January 2015
Electronic signs urge the crowd to yell their support during a scrum in the England v Scotland Six Nations international rugby union match at the Twickenham Stadium. London, March 2015
The England Under18 team walk out from their changing room past the Hog Roast stall to play Scotland in an international rugby union match at Kingston Park. Newcastle, March 2015
A family of England fans have a liquid lunch in the car park before the England v Scotland Six Nations international rugby union match at the Twickenham Stadium. London, March 2015
Gloucester supporters in the famous Shed during the Gloucester v Bath Aviva Premiership match at Kingsholm stadium. Gloucester, December 2014
Under-11 children playing on the plastic pitch at half-time during the Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers Aviva Premiership rugby union match at Kingston Park. Newcastle, March 2015
Drinking games in the clubhouse after the match at Longlevens rugby club v Old Colstonians in the Gloucester 1 division. Gloucester, January 2015
Wharfedale RUFC v Fylde RUFC National League One rugby union match at Wharfeside Avenue in Threshfield. North Yorkshire, March 2015