THE SCRUM SERIES

The images defy stereotypical views of femininity and fitness, featuring women of all backgrounds, abilities and sizes coming together for the joy and spirit of sport.

Whether a nurse, an accountant, a house cleaner or mom, the Black Widows grind out their daily stresses into the mud of the pitch.

They do not shy away from physicality: Black Widow player Lisa Alldred says, “I like being strong and smashing into people.” “I like getting down and dirty,” says Sophy Robert (Robbo), a strong prop who chose to pose for her portrait with mud smeared on her face like war-paint.

Louise Skelhorn, the manager and a founding member glows as she talks about the camaraderie of the team, “This is my community,” she says, as she proudly stands in front of the new rugby kits in the locker room. Shelley McComiskey, a long-time member of the club, speaks of an added sense of confidence as her main benefit of playing rugby. “It gave me the confidence to get out of a troubled relationship. I can credit rugby for the life I have now.”