Why Offloading Is The BEST Skill In Rugby!

Overview

The video explains why offloading is considered a crucial, high-impact skill in rugby and how to execute it effectively. It opens with a vivid description of an offload: a ball carrier makes a “simple flick of the wrist” to pass to a teammate while still in contact/tackle, keeping the ball live so play continues rather than the team going to ground and forming a new ruck.

What an Offload Is

• An offload is a pass made during the tackle.
• The key idea is creating freedom to pass through the tackle space, so possession stays alive and the attacking phase continues.

Why Offloads Matter

• They maintain attacking momentum.
• They can break down well-organized defenses by forcing them to keep scrambling and adjusting.

Historical vs. Modern Usage

• Offloads were traditionally more common among skilled backline players.
• The speaker argues that forwards can and should offload too, making it a team-wide attacking weapon rather than a backs-only tactic.

Memorable Examples Highlighted

World Rugby “15 vs Barbarians” at Twickenham

• The video describes a sequence culminating in a dramatic try assisted by multiple effective offloads and wide ball movement.
• It includes a freakish one-handed offload that enables the supporting runner to score.

2019 Rugby World Cup: New Zealand vs Namibia

• The speaker references a cluster of “insane” offloads that culminate in a try.
• The emphasis is on how repeated offloads can create a constant threat—keeping the defense off balance.

How to Make Offloads Work (Support Running Lines)

The video stresses that an offload is only successful if the supporting runner’s line is well-timed:

• If the supporting line is too early or too late, the passer forces a hard catch or causes a poor decision.

Training and Technique Guidance

• Don’t sprint at full speed into contact expecting to place a perfect catch.
  • Instead, focus on timing and acceleration so you can meet the ball safely and effectively.
• “Pop off the ground” (lifting the ball to the scrum half/9) is described as a legal way to keep quick ball.
  • However, the video strongly warns: don’t do it unless the scrum half has called for it and is aware, otherwise it can be dangerous and disrupt the play.

Skill Development

• Offloads are primarily learned through practice.
• Some players may have natural instincts or longer arm range (the video references backs with notable arm length and reach).

Strategic Goal

Offloading is presented as a way to manipulate the defense and create scoring opportunities “out of thin air,” making it one of rugby’s most important skills.

Presenters / Sources (as mentioned in subtitles)

• Quintilian
• World Rugby law 14.5