Wales and Gloucester Winger Louis Rees-Zammit Leaves Rugby Union to Pursue NFL Career

Wales and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit has made the surprising decision to leave rugby union and embark on a career in the National Football League (NFL). The 22-year-old, who has represented Wales 32 times, expressed that joining the NFL international player pathway (IPP) was a difficult choice. Rees-Zammit now aims to secure a spot on an NFL team for the 2024 season.

Rees-Zammit clarified that his decision to try out for the NFL does not mean he is retiring from rugby, but instead seeking a unique challenge that can enhance his skillset. Having debuted for Wales in October 2020 after breaking into the Gloucester team as a teenager, Rees-Zammit has quickly become one of the sport’s standout players, notably scoring five tries at the recent World Cup. Nevertheless, he will now travel to Florida to participate in the 10-week NFL international player pathway program.

Despite his departure from rugby, Rees-Zammit expressed his gratitude towards Gloucester for their support throughout his career. He also mentioned his best wishes for Wales in the upcoming Six Nations tournament. Wales head coach Warren Gatland admitted he was taken aback by Rees-Zammit’s decision, but expressed his support and hopes for his success in the NFL.

Rees-Zammit, who has already made a significant impact with Gloucester this season, scoring four tries and securing a European Challenge Cup victory, had been linked to other clubs for next season. However, the lure of pursuing his lifelong ambition to play in the NFL proved irresistible for the young winger.

Rees-Zammit’s move to the NFL follows in the footsteps of other rugby union players who tried their hand in American football. Former England and Wasps winger Christian Wade made an attempt through the NFL international player pathway in 2019 but ultimately did not play in a regular-season game. Christian Scotland-Williamson, a lock for the Pittsburgh Steelers, also made the shift but similarly did not feature in a regular-season match. Team GB discus thrower Lawrence Okoye also had a brief NFL stint but ultimately returned to athletics.

This unexpected decision by Rees-Zammit is undoubtedly a significant loss for Welsh rugby and the sport as a whole. However, at just 22 years old, he is taking a bold step toward his dreams and offers himself the option to return to rugby in the future should his NFL endeavor not work out. As Welsh rugby faces continued challenges in 2024, Rees-Zammit’s departure adds to the ongoing turbulence in the sport.