An exhibition celebrating the strength, athleticism, and physicality of women in rugby opened at The Lion pub in Teddington last night (Wednesday, 8 April).

'Breaking the Line' is curated by local artist Agnieszka Lokaj and marks the start of the Six Nations.

A private viewing of the exhibition, which is located at the back of the pub, ran from 6pm - 9pm on Wednesday, offering the chance to meet Lokaj and key figures in English Women's rugby, including:

• Deborah Griffin OBE - RFU President
• Charlie Bronks - ex Red Rose who played at 1994 Women's Rugby World Cup
• Alison Kervin OBE - the first female sports editor of a national newspaper (Mail on Sunday), writer and keynote speaker
• Zoe Kirk - one of 3 Kirk sisters who set up Teddington WRFC

As part of the exhibition, a special focus is placed on local, community connections to women's rugby, alongside new portraits of elite players that capture the intensity and skill of the game. 

Agnieszka Lokaj curated the exhibition (Credit: Tilly O'Brien/Agnieszka Lokaj)

Lokaj is a Twickenham-based artist working in semi-abstract portraiture. 

Her paintings explore strength, resilience and identity, with a particular focus on women's rugby, capturing moments of intensity, movement and emotional presence. 

Drawing inspiration from both elite sport and her local community, Agnieszka's work celebrates the growing visibility of women's sport and the individuality of the athletes she portrays.

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The 'Breaking the Line' exhibition by Agnieszka Lokaj is now on display at the Lion pub (Cedit: CNK Photoworks/ Agnieszka Lokaj)

The artist also curated a women's rugby World Cup-themed exhibition at The Beach art gallery in Teddington in September last year, which aligned with the Red Roses' victory at the global tournament in Twickenham.

Speaking about the exhibition, Lokaj told Nub News: "I'm so excited to see my art exhibition celebrating women in rugby come to life here at The Lion, a wonderful local pub that really supports our community and women's rugby.

"It's amazing to see all the paintings up on the walls, capturing the strength and spirit of the England rugby players. I hope everyone coming to watch the Women's Six Nations games feels inspired by my paintings of the Red Roses.

"A big thank you to The Lion team, especially Peter and Andrea,  for hosting this exhibition, it's such a great opportunity to share my art! Seeing the paintings displayed at The Lion has brought fantastic energy to the space, and I'm thrilled with how the pieces complement the pub's atmosphere."

The exhibition will be running at the pub until 21 May.