Women’s rugby often comes up in discussions comparing it to its male counterpart. Even though men and women play the same sport, women’s rugby is considered a different discipline.
Same rules, same pitch, same sport! What do we remember about men’s rugby matches? Obviously, a determination destined to impress the other side. It is often no more than a dirty look, a semi well-tied headband, a generous application of vaseline, a meticulously shaven head…. But all that quickly becomes a blur. It’s nothing but swollen faces, split lips and slouching shoulders.
With female players, that is all brushed aside. Each one has a different facial expression.
Yet, an alchemy of grace, savagery and passion is inevitably formed. The hairstyle is rebellious, the eyes, although unrelenting, are at the same time strong and dark, charming and fragile.
We say that when male rugby players undress in the changing rooms, they put on a new skin. With women, there is no radical change but an evolution, a maturation. This maturing process is just the logical result of a feminist commitment compounded by playing rugby.
They claim this sport as if it’s something of value, a way of life, an activism which affirms their determination to do what they want with their bodies.
« Femmes de rugby » (Rugby women) is a photographic work which aims to place these players in the spotlight – these women who bring back prestige to this ancestral sport. The portraits illustrate the wealth of women’s rugby. The eyes communicate various emotions, to reveal the players’ force as much as their sensitivity.
In contrast to calendars where nudity is a selling point, they are displayed here, as free and determined women.
Antoine Dominique
