‘No Tears on the Field’ – A Roaring Tribute to Heart, Grit, and Grassroots Glory – Review
Rugby isn’t just a sport in Aotearoa New Zealand; it’s a way of life. From packed international test matches to muddy grassroots fields on Saturday mornings, the game pulses through the nation’s veins. In recent years, the rise of women’s rugby has been nothing short of electric, and No Tears on the Field captures that surge with passion, pride, and a whole lot of heart.
Set against the rugged beauty of Taranaki, this deeply personal documentary follows a group of young women from Southern and Clifton Rugby Clubs as they battle through a demanding season. Directed by Taranaki-born filmmaker Lisa Burd (The Pinkies Are Back), the film is both a love letter to the sport and an intimate portrait of the women who are reshaping it.
More Than Just a Game
Burd’s strength as a filmmaker lies in her empathy, and it’s on full display here. Across a multi-year journey, she embeds herself in the lives of players Kate Thomson, Maddison Davison, Mereana Anderson, and Phoenix Fraser. What emerges is a rich, emotionally grounded story about resilience, identity, and the drive to carve out space in a traditionally male-dominated arena.
Through candid interviews and unguarded moments, these women speak openly about their ambitions, struggles, and the balancing act between rugby and everyday life. The inclusion of former Sevens star Michaela Blyde adds further depth, offering a glimpse into the pathway from grassroots beginnings to elite competition.
The result is a documentary that feels raw and authentic—never staged, never forced. Just real people, telling real stories.
Raw Passion and Community
While the film thrives on its emotional honesty, it never forgets the physicality of the game. The rugby on display is fierce, fast, and uncompromising. These athletes don’t hold back, and Burd captures every crunching tackle and break for the line with an immediacy that pulls you straight onto the field.
But beyond the hits and highlights, No Tears on the Field also shines a light on the vital role rugby plays in provincial communities. In towns like those in Taranaki, the local club is more than just a place to play; it’s a hub of connection, support, and shared identity. Win or lose, the sense of belonging is undeniable.
Final Verdict: A Film for Every Kiwi
At its core, No Tears on the Field is about the women who live and breathe the game. Yet its appeal stretches far beyond the rugby pitch. This is a story of determination, camaraderie, and the quiet power of chasing something you love.
With its big heart and unflinching honesty, Burd’s documentary stands as a stirring tribute to the Kiwi women and girls redefining the sport. It’s inspiring, emotional, and unmistakably local, a film that will leave audiences proud, pumped, and ready to grab a ball and run. Simply put, this is grassroots rugby at its most powerful, and its most human.
Image: MadMan Films
