Flats and Durders Offload: Rugby Laid Bare

by David Flatman, Mark Durden-Smith

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR'Crammed full of funny stories, below-the-belt banter and amusing observations, it’s gold' Rugby World Once described as rugby’s answer to Ant & Dec, David Flatman and Mark Durden-Smith are the oddest of odd couples. Now this hugely popular rugby broadcasting double act have turned to dissecting and celebrating rugby union in book form. And, as you’d expect, it’s a brilliant combination of in-depth knowledge and hilarious stories. Flats and Durders Offload covers every facet of the game, from surviving the front row, what it takes to be a leader, referees both good and bad, mind games, tournaments and, of course, what really happens on a rugby tour. They talk about the highs, including Flats not missing a tackle in his 90-second Six Nations appearance, and the lows, including Flats not making a tackle in his 90-second Six Nations appearance. Familiar to millions of fans through their television work, they provide fascinating and entertaining insight into the sport they love. They reveal the hardest players, the greatest characters and the intimate secrets of the front row. They address key issues facing the sport, such as injury, retirement and the future of the game. Nothing is off limits and no quarter is given – to anyone. With insightful analysis, unforgettable stories and the occasional food reference, Flats and Durders Offload is an unmissable read for all rugby fans. 

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2021

Reviews

[Tom Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meandering, jolly natter between two rugby union aficionados. If you ever watched their rugby highlights shows over the latter 2010s into the early 2020s this is an extension of that. Gentle jokes at each other, some serious rugby analysis, player discussions and some downright wild exaggerations.
Thoroughly entertaining albeit a bit silly.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flats quick verbal humour doesn’t translate well to written word and Mark just isn’t funny. Odd combination Mark not having played the game at any level doesn’t have enough connection and his entries take it away from being a rugby book

Interesting though some of Flats thoughts on the touring side of life. Been there felt the same nice to know I wasn’t alone 🥹

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

More an edited transcript of a conversation than a book but still funny.

[Trevor Vick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining audiobook for rugger buggers. Worked well on a wet afternoon in the countryside with a smelly dog.

[David Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the love of rugby fans. Great laugh. Really enjoyed this.