A professional rugby player from Wales has announced his decision to stop playing, as he chases down a possible chance to compete in the United States in theNational Football League.
Louis Rees-Zammit, formerly a winger for English Premiership side Gloucester and selected to represent both Wales and the British & Irish Lions at international level, announced his decision on Tuesday, January 16.
The NFL’s International Pathway Program has been running for several years now, taking in a number of players from around the world who display a skillset that could be useful in the NFL.
Notable participants of the IPP include the Commanders’ Efe Obada (British) and the Eagles’ Jordan Mailata (Australia).
Rees-Zammit did clarify, though, that this move doesn’t necessarily mean retirement from rugby, but instead simply an opportunity elsewhere.
“Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby, but rather at this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skill set.”
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There is also former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman David Tukatahi Dixon and, in a slightly less successful endeavor, Christian Wade, who joined the Buffalo Bills as a running back and, despite his first-ever touch in preseason being an 80-yard touchdown, found himself back in rugby before long.
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At 6-foot-2 and roughly 195lbs, many fans have already tipped Louis Rees-Zammit to have potential as a wide receiver and punt returner, though only time will tell whether this move actually works out.
Jacob Hale is Dexerto’s UK Editor. He is an award-nominated Gaming and Esports reporter, known for his industry-leading coverage of the Call of Duty competitive scene. Jacob has bylines at GINX and Esports News UK. You can contact him at: jacob.hale@dexerto.com
