“A unique opportunity”, a Welsh rugby star stops his career to devote himself to American football


It’s a small earthquake that has just shaken Welsh rugby. Louis Rees-Zammit, 22, star winger of the selection, will no longer wear the XV du Poireau jersey. He has just announced that he is putting an end to his rugby career to try his luck in the United States with an NFL franchise, the local American football championship.

A decision taken with immediate effect that the player with 32 caps for Wales has made official on his X account. “I am happy to be able to confirm that I will join the NFL international player training program, in order to obtain a spot on an NFL team for 2024,” he wrote.

“This does not necessarily mean that I am retiring from rugby”

Leaving the world of ovals, just a few weeks before The Six Nations tournament that he had to play with his selection was a “difficult decision to make”, he admits. But Rees-Zammit assures him, this is a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. However, the young Welsh winger does not seem willing to put the rugby world in the closet for good. “While this decision may seem surprising, I want to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean that I am retiring from rugby. But at my age, and at this stage of my life, I am enthusiastic about exploring a challenge unique which will be able to diversify my skills”, he underlines.

The player also said a few words about his club Gloucester, evoking his “immense gratitude” towards “a club that is close to my heart”. He also thanks George Skivington, coach of the team, as well as the boss of the British team, Alex Brown, “for allowing me to take a new direction”. Gloucester have indeed agreed to release their player and their president was keen to salute “the world-class player that he has become”. “We understand the magnitude of the opportunity before Zam and his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL. We wish him the best in the United States. He will always be welcome at Kingsholm (Gloucester Stadium),” added Alex Brown.

The example of Christian Wade

Louis Rees-Zammit had participated in the last Rugby World Cup organized in France, notably scoring five tries, including a hat-trick against Georgia. The Leek XV stopped in the quarter-final, beaten by Argentina (17-29).

Seeing a player go from rugby union to American football is an event, especially when it is a player of the caliber of the Welsh winger, but it is not an unprecedented event. Christian Wade, ex-England international, also tried his luck across the Atlantic between 2018 and 2022, before returning to the world of oval football. He currently plays in the Top 14, at Racing 92.





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