07/03/2026
Hottest 7s event is always special to attend as a rugby union sports photographer because I get to do this tourny with our eldest son. This year was his last one, and he wasn't even going to do it, but he changed his flights and did this last one more H7s tourny with his mum. We've been doing this tourny together since he started playing in senior rugby for his club...either coaching one of the youth teams and playing in his own team afterwards. Ive been photographing working at this event since 2008 except 2021 when severe lockdown restrictions the 2nd time round stopped me coming up. Flying up to help out is giving back to the game and to Territory rugby union that has shaped his game over the years from juniors to seniors. We get to hang out together sometimes at the tourny, I get to catch up with my old club of Palmy Crocs. When leaving the NT after the 2014 Hottest 7s tourny to move south with he rest of our family, leaving family behind was so hard. But coming home each year for this Event and volunteering is so great. It's like nothing changes up home, the faces may change with those in charge of the clubs, but always are welcomed home with big hugs. Especially when I duck down to Thursday night training to say gday and get some club merch. The question of, " How long are you home for?, Are you staying for this event or that.?" The Hottest 7s In The World event is one of these events where rugby families and longtime friends come together for a weekend of the game we love with many laughs, catchups, stories and reminiscing. It doesn't matter how long I've been away, it's always the best feeling being home and amongst not only family, rugby family and friends, but there's nothing like the feeling of walking through those gates at NT Rugby knowing you're home. I can't imagine doing this tourny without our cheeky eldest son.
P.s. Photos from this years event still a work in progress - watch this space.