Award-winning photographer Andrew Varley celebrates his 25 th anniversary of Rugby League duty with the publication of a compilation of his favourite pictures in a 148-page album entitled Rugby League In Focus.

Varley has become a Rugby League legend behind the lens, travelling the length and breadth of Britain and regularly crossing international datelines to record the expansion of the game in Australia, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia and the USA.

The Silver Jubilee book, sponsored by Integrated Technical Systems of Leeds, encapsulates the unique spirit of the 13-a-side code and its inherent characters.

The collection of 225 photographs showcases players of the calibre of Jonathon Davies, Ellery Hanley, Wally Lewis, Martin Offiah, Garry Schofield and Peter Sterling, plus coaching gurus Peter Fox, Bobby Fulton, Brian Noble, Alex Murphy and Malcolm Reilly.

Edited by David Howes and Les Rowley and published by Leeds-based YFP Ltd, the glossy production features a foreword by Ellery Hanley MBE, the former Great Britain Captain and Coach.

Hanley comments: “Andrew quickly developed a style which gained the ultimate confidence of Rugby League players, coaches and administrators. Well prepared, using first class equipment, able to set up and shoot a photograph in the minimum time, his action shots perfectly capturing the skill and spirit of our sport.

“Andrew Varley is the consummate professional and the loyal ally. This book is a lasting tribute to his 25 years in Rugby League.”

Rugby League In Focus

Priced £14.99, available: