Leicester Mercury photographer Janna Dixon has been shortlisted for a top award in the Zurich Rugby Photograph of the Year competition.

Janna is one of 44 finalists who have been chosen from more than 400 entrants - and she is the only regional press staff photographer to have made the cut.

Her snap shot of a ruck during a Saracens versus Tigers match impressed judges, and is one of ten contenders in the Zurich Premiership category.

Janna said: "I never expected to get this far. I really enjoy sports photography - especially rugby - so it's great to have one of my pictures in the final."

Awards will also be given in three other categories: European and International Rugby, Taking on the World - Australia 2003 and The Spirit of Rugby, along with an award for Zurich Rugby Photographer of the Year.

The winners will be announced during an exhibition party in London on March 4, when each of the shortlisted photographs will be on display.

The images will also form an exhibition at The Museum of Rugby at Twickenham Stadium in April, May and June.

The shortlisted images and photographers are:

Zurich Premiership:
Don't Worry We'll Be OK - Richard Lane, Sportsbeat
Pleasure and Pain - Scott Heavey, Sportsbeat
Northampton Scrum - Matthew Impey, Freelance
Kingsholm Crush - David Davies, Press Association
Logan With Cup - Mike Egerton, Empics
Formidable Falcon - Philip Brown, Daily Telegraph
In The Danger Zone - Janna Dixon, Leicester Mercury
Wasps Lift The Trophy - Tom Jenkins, Guardian
Growling Grewcock - David Davies, Press Association
Azam Interview - Matthew Impey, Freelance

European/International:
Concentration- Dave Rogers, Getty Images
Finally - Morgan Treacy, Inpho Sports Photos
Wilkinson Tackle - David Davies, Press Association
A Word In Your Ear - Morgan Treacy, Inpho Sports Photos
Playing Catch Up - Billy Stickland, Inpho Sport Photos
Standing Proud - Marc Aspland, The Times
Stuck At The Bottom - Billy Stickland, Inpho Sports Photos
Rain Cloud - David Ashdown, The Independent/Ind on Sunday
Teamwork - Jed Wee, Sportsbeat
All Eyes On Jonny - Inpho Sports Photos

Taking On The World - Australia 2003:
Tongan Haka - Adam Pretty, Getty Images
Jason On The Charge - Mark Pain, Mail on Sunday
French Fling - David Davies, Press Association
Cup of Joy - Eddie Keogh, The Sun
Distinctly Keith Wood - Billy Stickland, Inpho Sports Photos
Rugby's Coming Home - Dave Rogers, Getty Images
Waltzing O'Driscoll - David Davies, Press Association
Joyful Dallaglio - Mark Pain, Mail on Sunday
Daddy's Boy - Adam Pretty, Getty Images
I Don't Believe It - Richard Lane, Sportsbeat
Try - Eddie Keogh, The Sun
Brothers In Arms - Marc Aspland, The Times
Arms and Legs - Billy Stickland, Inpho Sports Photos
Wizard of Oz - David Davies, Press Association

Spirit of Rugby:
Phew, What A Relief - Marc Aspland, The Times
Not Exactly Twickenham - Billy Stickland, Inpho Sports Photos
Can We Have Our Ball Back? - Clint Hughes, Clint Hughes Photos
Welcoming Of A New Hero - Tom Jenkins, Guardian/Observer
Bishop of Rotherham - David Davies, Press Association
Dallaglio Crying - Mark Pain, Mail on Sunday
A Sad Farewell - Matthew Lewis, Freelance
The Johnsons - Andy Hooper, Daily Mail
When I Grow Up I'll Play For Bath - Jo Caird, Sportsbeat
Dedication - David Ashdown, The Independent/Ind on Sunday

Judges included Josh Lewsey, England and London Wasps; Paul Morgan, editor of Rugby World; Sarah O'Rafferty, head of sponsorship at Zurich; Nick Wainwright, Mail on Sunday Pictures; and Clive Woodward, England Head Coach.

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