Rugby nostalgia fans get the pick of the bunch

The Union, the Heart of Rugby exhibition incorporates most playing nations, although New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England feature prominently. Photo / Dean Purcell

Rugby World Cup fans wanting a heavy fix of photographic nostalgia should head to the Auckland Town Hall.

Union: the Heart of Rugby is running until October 28 and features 150 photographs selected to capture the themes of pride, honour, passion, pain, team, heroes, courage and glory.

The first photo the visitor will encounter is former All Black John Kirwan being tackled by the French in 1987, placed under the "Heroes" category, followed by shots of Nick Farr-Jones, Joel Stransky, Philippe Sella and Martin Johnson.

There are also some older photographs, such as an undated black and white snap of a mud-covered ruck.

The exhibition is divided into groups based on the relevant theme and the photos incorporate most rugby-playing nations, although New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and England feature more than others.

The close-up shot of a bloody David Kirk kissing the Webb Ellis trophy in 1987 will appeal to locals, but international visitors should also enjoy the global focus, and at the end of the exhibition approving comments from Pat Lam and Gavin Hastings have been scribbled on a display.

Project organiser Kelsen Butler said two of the most often photographed players for the various news agencies involved were Jonah Lomu and Sebastien Chabal.

The shots represent work from 75 different professional photographers and news agencies helped narrow the selection down from 30,000 images.

Renowned sports photographer Neil Leifer also contributes by picking out his favourite 20 shots.

Accompanying the photos are short films and a book encompassing the shots can be bought.