The Out On The Full Photo Diary of 2014

2014 has been quite the year in the world of Aviva Premiership Rugby and England Rugby so in the final few hours I thought that I'd look back at some of the most memorable moments on the year, in pictorial form. Below are a selection of memories from what has been an action packed year, from January to December we have witnessed a lot of highs and the occasional low so let's reminisce;

From an England perspective the year started with the RBS 6 Nations as over the course of 5 weeks our home nations and Italy battled it out for supremacy. England faltered in Paris however really matured and developed during the course of their other matches and delivered two outstanding performances at Twickenham Stadium. One performance that put to bed all of the demons from Cardiff last year against Wales and the other was inspired to beat Ireland on BOD's last trip to the home of England rugby. Stuart Lancaster's side showed a promise and maturity that we hadn't seen from them before and took their performance levels to new heights. Personally I think it was one of the best RBS 6 Nations campaigns that we have seen in a while... hopefully to be eclipsed by an even better one in 2015. 

The 2013/14 domestic season proved to be a fairly eventful one, we witnessed Harlequins' end of season surge to set up that memorial 'quarter final' fixture with Bath at The Stoop and then charged head on into the Semi Finals. The Leicester versus Northampton Semi Final at Franklin's Gardens was one of the best games of rugby of the season, only the final eclipsed it in my eyes. Northampton laid their Premiership Final demons to rest in that thrilling 100 minute encounter Twickenham Stadium against Saracens and cemented what was one of the greatest seasons in the club's history. 

The Final at Twickenham was also extremely special for another reason as an inspirational young man Luis Ghaut lead out the team with Tom Wood. Luis’ bravery and love for Northampton Saints warmed the hearts of the entire country and in particular those close to him. He taught us all to live life to the fullest in spite of adversity or odds staked against us. Luis sadly lost his fight with Osteosarcoma towards the end of September however he will forever be a Saint and was truly a hero to his heroes. Rest In Peace Luis the rugby community was proud to have you as such an inspirational member. 

During 2014 a number of legends hung up their boots; from Steve Borthwick at Saracens to James Simpson Daniel at Gloucester and a number of others in between changes of the guard happened at clubs across the country. On the International stage two giants of the modern era also hung up their boots, and in some style, Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O'Driscoll. Jonny's Heineken Cup and Top 14 double was nothing less than he deserved and the same must be said about Brian O'Driscoll's Pro12 victory and the RBS 6 Nations triumph in the emerald of Ireland. Both men defined the word professional and could do things with a rugby ball that so many of us can only dream about. On and off the field they were role models of the highest order and both are fast becoming two extremely distinguished pundits for their chosen broadcasters. 

2014 was the year in which Saracens delivered one of the best performances of their history as they annihilated Clermont Auvergne at Twickenham Stadium and Jacques Burger put in the ultimate shift with his colossal tackle count. I remember it well, sitting on the press bench pre game thinking whatever happens, whichever side wins this match it will be an epic adventure however I wasn't expecting what followed. 46 points to 6 was the final score and although some people may argue that Brock James' yellow card and the penalty try early on gave Saracens an unfair advantage I believe that on that day they could have beaten anyone, even Toulon, because they were in the zone. It is just a shame that 7 days later they couldn't reach the same heights in Cardiff. 

On a domestic front it was the year in which Wasps secured their own home and made the move to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Wasps have always made it very public that they have been searching for their own home for a long time and in 2014 Derek Richardson secured that for them and with it their financial future. Naturally it was a decision that took time to digest however when the facts were delivered and the clear message 'move or Wasps will cease to be a club' was delivered the overarching emotion changed from anger to understanding. Wasps are now approaching 2015 in the healthiest shape of their lives and both on and off the field the only way is up. 

Finally, it was a year in which England's Women delivered the game with the ultimate prize, a World Cup. Katy McLean's  side proved that hard work, exceptional talent and a huge amount of dedication  can secure your dreams. Gary Street and his squad headed to France knowing that they were in the shape of their lives and they were totally focused on their goal. The Women's World Cup was a huge triumph not only because of England's victory but due to the calibre of the competition and how much it thrust women's rugby into the spotlight. England Rugby are committed to developing the game and the legacy from 2015 will live long into the future. It was a honour to be at the World Cup Winner's Press Conference and to ask Gary and the ladies first hand exactly how they were feeling after achieving the ultimate prize and for England Women the only was is up. 

Naturally a lot more has occurred during the 365 days of 2014 in however if I covered every club and featured every event we would be here until next December. It has been a stellar year and the most exciting thing is that next year we will have all of this plus a home Rugby World Cup. I cannot wait to bring you all of the news through Out On The Full and do hope that you will continue with me during what will be one of the most exciting year's in the history of the game in England. 

To enjoy a few more 2014 pictures have a nosy through Out On The Full's flickr page where all of the pictures I've taken at every event this year are stored. Enjoy --> here