Why I Built Offload and Changing the Game for Women’s Rugby
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Written by Ella Amory, Professional Rugby Player
Ella Amory is a dynamic entrepreneur, balancing her professional rugby career with her strong desire to develop the women's rugby landscape. She is the founder of Offload Agency, a recruitment platform for female rugby players.
Women’s rugby has long deserved more than just a seat at the table; it’s time for a platform built specifically for its players, fans, and future. That’s why I created Offload, a space designed to amplify women’s voices, celebrate their achievements, and transform the way we engage with the sport. This isn’t just about rugby; it’s about changing the game for women everywhere.
What’s the problem in women’s rugby today?
The biggest issue? Opportunities aren’t equal for everyone. If you’re a player from a country like England or France, you may have access to elite pathways, streaming, and professional contracts. But if you're from a country like Belgium, where a professional set-up doesn’t yet exist, your options are limited.
Even going abroad isn’t always possible. For example, to play in England’s Women’s Premiership, you need an elite sports visa. That requires you to have represented your country in an official competition:
1 time if your country is ranked 1-8 in the world
3 times if ranked 9-18
And zero chance if ranked outside the top 18
That means talented players from countries like Belgium can no longer access the top leagues, not because of ability but because of a passport.
What is offload and how does it help?
Offload is a platform I built to give female rugby players more control. It connects players and clubs around the world, offers a database to browse opportunities, and gives players the visibility and access that many federations don’t provide.
It’s a space where:
Players can reach out to clubs directly
Clubs can discover hidden talent
Everyone gets access to a rugby network, no agent required
I wanted Offload to be a hub of opportunity and community, not just a listing site.
Why don’t women’s rugby players get scholarships?
In many sports, scholarships provide a life-changing link between talent and education. But in women’s rugby, this pathway is almost non-existent unless you’re applying to certain American universities.
That needs to change. I want Offload to help young girls use their talent to unlock higher education and make rugby more than just a passion, a pathway.
Why is visibility such a big issue in women’s rugby?
Unless you’re a Red Rose or an Olympian like Ilona Maher, it’s unlikely your games are streamed, your stats are recorded, or your name is searchable.
This invisibility isn’t the athletes’ fault; it’s a result of underfunded federations, limited media coverage, and outdated systems.
With Offload, we give players a digital presence: a place to share highlights, history, and availability.It helps players be found and clubs see more than just the usual suspects.
Is offload actually working?
Yes. And we already have proof.
Last week, we saw our first international transfer made possible through Offload. French player Eneka Labeyrie signed with Leicester Tigers, one of England’s most prestigious clubs, after finding their contact on Offload and reaching out directly.
“I’ve always wanted to play abroad,” Eneka said.“I wasn’t sure where to start. Offload helped me connect with Leicester. I recommend it to all players and clubs.”
Fraser Goatcher, Leicester’s head coach, said:
“Offload is a fantastic platform. Players get to showcase themselves, and clubs like us get access to talent we might otherwise miss.”
This is exactly what Offload was built for: giving women the power to shape their own rugby careers.
What’s next for offload?
I want Offload to break barriers. To make scholarships, transfers, and visibility the norm, not the exception. To give players from every country the same chance to dream, play, and grow.
Are you a club looking for global talent? Book a free demo here.
Are you a player ready to take control of your rugby career? Create your free account here.
Read more from Ella Amory
Ella Amory, Professional Rugby Player
Ella Amory is a professional rugby player. She grew up in a traditional family that valued academic success, but Ella had a different vision. At just 18 years old, she left home to pursue her dream of playing professional rugby. She placed enormous pressure on herself to succeed—not only to prove her family wrong but also to show people back home that there is a future in women’s rugby. Today, she wants other girls to have the opportunity to connect with clubs around the world with just a few clicks, giving them the chance to follow their dreams.
